Barriers and Facilitators to Independent Prescribing of Pharmacists: A Systematic Review
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: This research project is a systematic review on the barriers and facilitators influencing pharmacists’ independent prescribing practice. It aims to examine factors that either hinder or support the adoption, implementation, and practice of independent prescribing across different healthcare settings. These factors include pharmacist knowledge, competence, confidence, and training; patient acceptance and trust; interprofessional collaboration; organizational resources and workload; and legal, regulatory, and financial considerations. The review will systematically search published and gray literature from 2003 to 2026 using major databases such as PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. Retrieved studies will undergo structured screening, critical appraisal using JBI tools, and data extraction through JBI SUMARI. The expected outcome is a comprehensive synthesis of the key challenges and enabling factors affecting pharmacist independent prescribing. The findings may help guide policymakers, educators, professional organizations, regulators, and healthcare institutions in developing strategies, training programs, regulatory frameworks, and support systems for the safe and effective expansion of pharmacists’ prescribing roles. Ultimately, the study may contribute to improved access to care, reduced physician workload, better medication management, and more equitable healthcare delivery.
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204241865