Exploring the G eneral P ractitioner–pharmacist relationship in the community setting in I reland

Objective To explore the General Practitioner ( GP )–pharmacist relationship, to gain insight into communication between the professions and evaluate opinion on extension of the role of the community pharmacist. Methods A postal questionnaire sent to 500 GP s and 335 community pharmacists with work addresses in the counties of C ork, K erry, T ipperary, W aterford and L imerick, I reland. Key findings An overall response rate of 56% was achieved. Clear differences of opinion exist between GP s and pharmacists on the extension of the role of the community pharmacist; pharmacist provision of vaccinations (12% of GP s in favour versus 78% of pharmacists), pharmacists prescribing the oral contraceptive pill (18% GP versus 88% pharmacist) and increasing the prescribing power of the pharmacist (37% GP versus 95% pharmacist). Fifty‐four percent of GP s and 97% of pharmacists were in favour of pharmacists providing screening services, while 82% of GP s and 96% of pharmacists were in favour of pharmacists dealing with minor ailments. Seventy‐three percent of GP s and 43% of pharmacists agreed that communication between the professions was very good. Discussion This study identifies a clear difference of opinion on the extension of the role of the community pharmacist and recognises problems in communication between the professions. This comes on the background of continued calls from the P harmaceutical S ociety of I reland for an extension of pharmacist roles and continued opposition from the I rish M edical O rganisation to such moves. This study highlights the need for increased dialogue between representative organisations and a commitment for professional agendas to be set aside in the best interests of patients.