Clinical pharmacists' services, role and acceptance: a national Swedish survey

Abstract

Aim: Describe, and between regions, compare the services provided, and the pharmacists' perceptions of their role and its importance.

Method: Online survey involving active clinical pharmacists in Sweden.

Result: The survey was completed by 118 pharmacists (66%), half of whom had at least 1 year's formal training in clinical pharmacy, and work experience in excess of 5 years. Admission medication reconciliation and medication review are provided in most regions and often on a daily basis. The most important services were: making suggestions to physicians regarding drug changes, medication review, medication reconciliation, and patient communication. On a five-point Likert-scale (where 1 = negative and 5 = positive) very few respondents scored less than 4 on the role, acceptance and skills questions.

Discussion: Our study confirms the strong position of clinical pharmacy and clinical pharmacists in Sweden. There were some differences regarding the services provided between regions but clinical pharmacists' patient-centred work in the clinical setting as part of the care team is well established, accepted and important. Respondents believed they could take on additional responsibilities for prescription changes without the need for further education.

Conclusion: Patient-centred clinical pharmacy work in a clinical setting as part of the care team is well established, accepted and important.

Keywords: continuing; education; hospital; medical errors; pharmacy; pharmacy service; professional competence; quality of health care.