European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

VALUE OF CLINICAL PHARMACISTS AND THEIR ROLES IN HOSPITALS IN CHINA FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PHYSICIANS AND PHARMACISTS

Madiha, Zhenji Jin, Jia-Qi LI and Changqing Yang*

ABSTRACT

The study to determine the perception of physicians and pharmacists in hospitals was conducted in ten tertiary hospitals (inpatient units and hospital pharmacies) in eight urban cities in China. A self administered questionnaire was distributed to 500 physicians and 150 pharmacists between Oct 2014 and Feb 2015. Instrument contained questions to determine demographics, perception towards professional value and roles of clinical pharmacists in general and advanced clinical services. Response rates were 69.2% for physicians and 72% for pharmacists. Majority of physicians and pharmacists (more than 90%) accepted that clinical pharmacist is an irreplaceable member of health care system, who can help improve efficacy of therapies and reduce drug related problems. Compared to physicians, pharmacists were more agreed that clinical pharmacists have an ability to provide individualized patient care. Some physicians were uncomfortable with clinical pharmacists’ suggesting alternatives and prescribing for minor illness, and this is in line with pharmacists’ perception. Pharmacists (46.30%) showed more negative response towards performing physical examination role than physicians (42.49%). Both respondent groups strongly supported the function of clinical pharmacists in advanced clinical services/programs except patient self-management service.

Keywords: Clinical pharmacist ? Roles ? Perception ? Physicians ? Hospital ? Questionnaire.