Preparing for pharmacist prescribing in Maltese hospitals

Abstract

Objectives To develop and evaluate a framework for pharmacist prescribing in a hospital setting, assess differences between pharmacist and physician prescribing and analyse pharmacist perceptions on pharmacist prescribing. Methods A framework for pharmacist prescribing in hospital based on a collaborative drug therapy management approach was developed. Guidelines on three therapeutic scenarios, namely oral anticoagulation therapy, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, were compiled as part of the framework. The framework was validated by an expert panel consisting of five pharmacists and four physicians. A self‐administered questionnaire was developed and distributed to the expert panel to evaluate the framework. A case study relating to each therapeutic scenario identified was designed and given to the expert panel to assess differences between pharmacist and physician prescribing. The framework and the questionnaire were disseminated to all 62 pharmacists practicing in local public hospitals to evaluate the framework and their perceptions on pharmacist prescribing. Key findings All nine expert panel members strongly agreed or agreed that the proposed framework is well‐presented, clear and comprehensive, and seven strongly agreed or agreed upon its practicality for use in the hospital setting. Results of the case studies showed that pharmacists and physicians prescribed similar treatment when the correct diagnosis was established. Of the 31 pharmacists who completed the questionnaire, more pharmacists were willing to prescribe antihypertensive (n = 27) and antidiabetic medications (n = 27) compared to oral anticoagulation therapy (n = 20). Twenty‐seven pharmacists recommended further education to a specialised Masters or Doctorate level for pharmacist prescribing. Conclusions The proposed framework puts forward a well‐presented, comprehensive and practical system to prepare pharmacists for pharmacist prescribing in a hospital setting within a multidisciplinary team practice for chronic conditions.

Manejo clínico sob uma ótica inovadora: Explorando novas abordagens na prescrição farmacêutica

“…A atuação desse profissional na intervenção farmacêutica, possibilita reduzir eventos adversos, aumentar a qualidade da ajuda, reduz custos hospitalares e favorece o uso coerente de medicamentos (Aquilina et al, 2018).…”

“…A RDC nº 586 de 2013, que ampara a prescrição farmacêutica destaca as etapas que compreendem a execução da prescrição farmacêutica, dentre elas: reconhecer a carência do paciente referente a saúde, definir a terapêutica; selecionar a terapia, intervenções relativas a atenção no enfermo, com base em sua segurança, eficácia, custo e compatibilidade, dentro de uma estratégia de cuidado, conteúdo da prescrição, indicação ao paciente, análise dos resultados, papéis do processo de prescrição (Aquilina et al, 2018).…”

Prescrição farmacêutica: uma revisão sobre percepções e atitudes de pacientes, farmacêuticos e outros interessados

“…Pesquisadores se mobilizam para produzir informações relevantes que possam sustentar o planejamento da incorporação dessa inovação, como as expectativas dos farmacêuticos e a identificação de fatores que possam interferir numa possível implementação da prática. Há na literatura registros desses estudos, por exemplo, no Qatar 17 , na Nigéria 18 e em Malta 19 .…”

Pharmacist prescribing: a review of perceptions and attitudes of patients, pharmacists and other interested professionals

“…Researchers, therefore, mobilize themselves to produce relevant information that can sustain the planning of the incorporation of this innovation, such as the expectations of the pharmacists and the identification of factors that can interfere in a possible implementation of the practice. In the literature, there are records of these studies, for example in Qatar 17 , Nigeria 18 , and Malta 19 .…”