Attitudes of Physicians to Professional Roles of Community Pharmacists in Lebanon

Abstract

Background: Pharmacists involved in patient-centred clinical services can potentially reduce overall healthcare costs, morbidity and mortality. However, physicians might be ambivalent about pharmacists' capabilities.

Aim: To determine the opinions of medical and dental practitioners (physicians) to professional activities which could be provided by community pharmacists in Lebanon.

Method: 300 questionnaires were distributed by pharmacy students to registered physicians covering a range of specialties and experience. The questionnaire consisted of 20 closed questions and an open-ended question to determine the physician's expectations of the pharmacist's role in patient care.

Results: 198 questionnaires were analysed and overall the results indicated that physicians have a need for information of the type that pharmacists can supply. However, the healthcare system is fragmented because of unclear and infrequent communication. Physicians believe that increased consensual cooperation and communication between the professions could improve therapeutic outcomes and the quality of advice given to patients.

Conclusion: There is a need for collaboration between physicians and pharmacists in Lebanon to improve the quality of pharmaceutical care for patients.