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Collaborative Prescribing: Views of SHPA Pharmacist Members
Author(s) -
Weeks Greg R,
Marriott Jennifer L
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/j.2055-2335.2008.tb00387.x
Subject(s) - pharmacist , medicine , de facto , family medicine , clinical pharmacy , nursing , pharmacy , political science , law
Aim To explore the views of SHPA pharmacist members on collaborative prescribing and the extent of de facto prescribing at their institutions. Method 1367 SHPA pharmacist members were invited by mail to complete a 4–page questionnaire on current and future issues pertaining to collaborative prescribing. Results 551 pharmacist members responded (40% response rate) to the survey. 509 (95%) respondents observed that a collaborative prescribing role could circumvent hospital delays with timely service delivery during the admission, inpatient, discharge and outpatient process. De facto prescribing was undertaken by 141 (37%) pharmacists across the range of drug schedules and practice settings. If a legal and credentialling framework existed, 406 (75%) pharmacists would consider becoming a ‘prescribing pharmacist’ in a specialised clinical area, while 81 (15%) were undecided and 57 (11%) would not consider the option. Conclusion SHPA pharmacist members strongly supported the development of collaborative prescribing as a means to improve patient outcomes, professional activities and standing, and hospital systems. Hospital pharmacists are undertaking a range of de facto prescribing activities.