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An evaluation of Australian pharmacist’s attitudes on expanding their prescribing role

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Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the views of Australian pharmacists on expanded pharmacist prescribing roles and identify important drivers and barriers to its implementation. Setting Pharmacists in Australia. Method Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire distributed nationally to a random sample of pharmacists either directly, or in the case of one state, via community pharmacies. One-way ANOVA and ϰ2 testing were used to identify significant associations. Factor analysis was conducted to pool variables and the derived factors were subjected to regression analysis. Mainoutcomemeasures Perceptions of Australian pharmacists on expanded prescribing and the relationships between variables derived. Results A total of 2592 questionnaires were distributed and a response rate of 40.4% was achieved (n = 1049). Of the respondents 83.9% strongly agreed/agreed to an expanded prescribing role for pharmacists and 97.1% reported they would need further training. Of the respondents 896 agreed that pharmacists should engage in supplementary, independent prescribing or both. Of these 69.1% preferred only supplementary prescribing, 3.3% independent prescribing and 27.4% both models. Both models were found to be positive predictors of expanding pharmaceutical services through prescribing (P < 0.001) with supplementary prescribing showing a stronger association (β = 0.52 vs. β = 0.18). Pharmacists’ opinion based on their current perceptions of their clients was an important predictor in expanding pharmaceutical services through prescribing (P = 0.005). Inadequate training in patient assessment, diagnosis and monitoring were the strongest barriers to expanded pharmacist prescribing (P < 0.001). Conclusions The majority of Australian pharmacists supported an expanded pharmacist prescribing role. Support for supplementary was stronger than independent prescribing. Pharmacists acknowledged that they would need further training to perform such roles.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the contribution of pharmacists that participated in this study and statistical support provided by Jennifer Lalor and Associate Professor Satvinder Dhaliwal of Curtin University of Technology.

Conflicts of interest

None.

Financial support

This research was entirely funded by Curtin University of Technology, School of Pharmacy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute and School of Pharmacy, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia

    Kreshnik Hoti, Bruce Sunderland, Jeffery Hughes & Richard Parsons

Authors
  1. Kreshnik Hoti
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  2. Bruce Sunderland
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  3. Jeffery Hughes
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  4. Richard Parsons
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kreshnik Hoti.

Appendix: Questionnaire for pharmacist prescribing in Australia

Appendix: Questionnaire for pharmacist prescribing in Australia

The aim of this project is to assess Australian pharmacists’ perceptions on the issue of extended pharmacist prescribing. In particular, we are interested in investigating their views on advantages and limitations of such a role as well as areas pharmacists feel they should have extended prescribing responsibilities, if any. Pharmacists’ views are being sought on what additional training they would require in order to assume future prescribing responsibilities.

This questionnaire consists of statements and questions which enable you to give your opinion on the issue of pharmacist prescribing. It is estimated it will take you approximately 10-15 minutes to complete this questionnaire. Your information will be treated with strictest confidence.

To answer this questionnaire please TICK THE BOX NEXT TO THE NUMBER that reflects your opinion regarding the statement i.e.: 1 = Strongly disagree; 2 = Disagree; 3 = Neutral; 4 = Agree; 5 = Strongly agree. (Some questions require writing the response in the area provided)

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Hoti, K., Sunderland, B., Hughes, J. et al. An evaluation of Australian pharmacist’s attitudes on expanding their prescribing role. Pharm World Sci 32, 610–621 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-010-9400-2

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