4CPS-111 Perspectives of physicians on the integration of hospital pharmacists in multidisciplinary healthcare teams
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background and Importance Hospital pharmacists are essential in patient care because they contribute to medication and clinical decision making safety within multidisciplinary teams. However, there is limited research on hospital pharmacy practice in Central Eastern European countries. In recent years, small amount of publications has addressed this topic, revealing significant gaps in understanding and integration. Although 19 (31.67%) hospitals out of 60 in country ‘X’ have a hospital pharmacy licence, the roles and potential contributions of hospital pharmacists within these settings remain largely unexplored. In contrast, other Western European countries healthcare systems benefit from the integration of hospital pharmacists, where involvement has been shown to improve patient medication safety and outcomes. This study addresses these gaps by investigating physicians’ knowledge and attitudes towards hospital pharmacists. Understanding (knowledge) how doctors perceive the integration of pharmacists into healthcare teams is crucial for improving collaboration and enhancing patient care outcomes. Aim and Objectives The study aims to investigate physicians’ general knowledge of the roles and functions that hospital pharmacists could provide within their clinical practice. Material and Methods An on-line questionnaire was created to assess physicians’ knowledge of the potential roles of hospital pharmacists in their practice and their willingness to integrate pharmacists into multidisciplinary healthcare teams. The questionnaire was sent via email to doctors of various specialisations. Quantitative data were captured through multiple-choice and Likert scale questions, while qualitative data were collected via a free-text box. Results Physicians are comfortable with hospital pharmacists handling easy tasks, like providing pharmaceutical information (94.5% agree) and overseeing medication monitoring (80% agree). However, they are less supportive of more advanced roles, with only 23.6% agreeing that hospital pharmacists interpret clinical test results and 12.7% supporting independent prescribing. Conclusion and Relevance Physicians recognise hospital pharmacists’ roles in medication information and monitoring but are less supportive of their integration into advanced clinical functions. To improve integration, targeted education is needed to raise awareness of pharmacists’ roles and perceptions of clinical decision making. Strengthening collaboration between doctors and pharmacists could enhance patient care outcomes and healthcare efficiency. References and/or Acknowledgements Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest
Authors: G Leščinskas, K Garuoliene
Institution: Vilnius University
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4408375706