Community pharmacist perception of supplementary prescribing

Abstract

Objective: To determine the perception of Maltese community pharmacists regarding supplementary prescribing. Method: A self-administered questionnaire was developed, tested for validity and reliability and distributed to 50 community pharmacists selected by stratified random sampling. Statistical analysis was undertaken using Microsoft® Excel® XP and the BioMedical Data Package (BMDP) software. Key Findings: Cronbach’s alpha correlation coefficient for the questionnaire was 0.8191. Forty-six pharmacists responded to the questionnaire. Twentythree pharmacists were in favour of supplementary prescribing for a variety of conditions predominantly gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and asthma (both 19 pharmacists). Pharmacists (20) envisaged the introduction of supplementary prescribing by forming liaisons with general practitioners. Conclusion: The initial response to the concept of pharmacist prescribing is encouraging. Community pharmacy in Malta will need to make changes in order to provide such services to patients.