Barriers and benefits-pharmacist prescribers’ views of the prescribing role

Aim This study aimed to explore pharmacists’ perceptions of the impact of their role as prescribers before and after the implementation of pharmacy prescribing trials. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pharmacist prescribers prior to the initiation of prescribing trials, and 6-12 months post service implementation. Interviews were audio recorded, and transcriptions were coded and thematically analysed using NVivo® software. Results Six pharmacists across five prescribing trials were interviewed. Analysis revealed the emergence of five themes: patient care, attitudes to pharmacist prescribing, professional practice, education and training and service implementation. Perceived benefits of pharmacist prescribing were improvements in patient safety, access to medicines and efficiency. All participants were confident they could ensure safety and quality of prescribing, and services were well received by local healthcare teams. Participants considered that prescribing facilitated personal development, improved multidisciplinary collaboration and had the potential to advance the profession. Attitudes towards prescriber training were mixed; some found it beneficial, some felt it added little to existing competence and others found specific elements useful. Factors facilitating implementation of prescribing activities included support from service managers and medical consultants, as well as funding to undertake prescriber training. Barriers to service implementation included prescribing approval requirements and patient consent processes. Discussion This study is part of a larger evaluation of allied health prescribing initiatives across Queensland Health. Findings indicate that expansion of pharmacist scope of practice to include prescribing has patient care benefits, and is supported at a local level. Identified barriers will inform future prescribing implementation