Perceptions, experiences, and expectations of physicians in hospital settings in Jordan regarding the role of the pharmacist

Background: To initiate a collaborative working relationship (CWR) between physicians and pharmacists, current physicians' perceptions, expectations, and experiences with pharmacists should be determined. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate physicians' perceptions, expectations, and their actual experiences with pharmacists in hospital settings in Jordan. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was delivered to 284 physicians selected randomly from 4 main hospitals in northern Jordan. The questionnaire was composed of 4 parts investigating physicians' expectations, experiences, and perceptions of the pharmacists. Results: Two hundred and forty-five questionnaires were completed (response rate, 86.3%). More than half of the physicians were comfortable with pharmacists providing patient education. Similarly, just fewer than half (48.2%) were uncomfortable with pharmacists suggesting the use of prescription medications to patients. Most physicians (62.5%) expect the pharmacist to educate their patients about safe and appropriate use of drugs; however, approximately one third (33.9%) of them do not expect the pharmacist to be available for consultation during rounds. Approximately, 54% of the physicians agreed that pharmacists were always a reliable source of information. Nevertheless, only 28.2% agreed that pharmacists frequently inform them that their patients have experienced some problem with their medications. Conclusions: Physicians in hospitals in Jordan were more likely to accept or recognize traditional pharmacy services than newer clinical services. Increasing physician awareness of these clinical pharmacy skills will be an important step in developing CWRs. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.