Current Clinical Practices in Pakistan and Hospital Pharmacist’s Perception towards Their Role: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

The professional role of the pharmacist in hospital setting is changing from a focus on preparation of medication to patient oriented approach and now pharmacist assists the patient to get best possible results from medication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of hospital pharmacists towards their role in the healthcare system of Pakistan. A qualitative study design was adopted. Face to face interviews were conducted using a semi structure interview guide. A total of nineteen interviews were conducted and become the part of the study. All the interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed for its content. Thematic content analysis yielded five major themes: 1) perception regarding pharmacist-patient interaction, 2) perception towards reducing prescription errors, 3) perception towards pharmacy curriculum, 4) perception towards pharmacist engagement in hospital policies, and 5) perception regarding clinical role of pharmacists.