Perceptions and experiences of physicians regarding integration of clinical pharmacists in health practices: A survey of hospitals of Karachi,
2014
Introduction
Drug-related problems are frequent and may result in reduced qualityof life, and even morbidity and mortality.
Studies have shown that clinical pharmacists can identify and prevent drug-related problems. Although the
physicians in Pakistan like some underdeveloped countries seem to have an opposing view to the expanded roleof clinical pharmacists.
Method
A survey was conducted in which assessed physician’s interaction, experience and expectations from a
pharmacist especially in a patient-oriented role.
Results
The findings reveal limited interactions; those limited inte
ractions included inquiring information about
particular drug availability only. About 80 to 90% of physicians have high expectations of pharmacists
indicating that they should be solely responsible for any medication related query and should be equipped with extensive knowledge to tackle drug related problems effectively, however a higher % seem to disagree on
allowing a clinical pharmacist’s intervention within a patient profile, the physicians with less than 10 years
experience disagree on allowing them to be involved on the level of consultation regarding drug regimens or other and work side by side with them as core members of healthcare team.
Conclusion
These mixed reviews indicate the lack of comfort of physicians in a clinical setting. There is increasing evidence that participation and interventions of clinical pharmacists in health care positively influence clinical practice yet the state of non recognition of clinical role of pharmacists in Pakistan still needs to be addressed in order to win over physician confidence and comfort and can lead to better outcomes of patient’s health and consequently
improvement in the health care system of the country.
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