Pharmacists' perspective on the potential introduction of pharmacist prescribing – a nationwide survey study

Abstract

Background and objectives: Pharmacist prescribing legislation has been introduced in some countries to ensure quality and accessibility of healthcare. In many countries, like the Netherlands, pharmacist prescribing does not yet exist. The aim of this study was to explore pharmacists’ perspectives on potential pharmacist prescribing in the Netherlands. Method: An online cross-sectional survey sent through e-mail and electronic newsletters to practicing pharmacists in the Netherlands was conducted during October and November 2023. Questionnaire topics were potential models and settings of pharmacist prescribing, preconditions for its introduction, and its potential benefits and risks. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics. Results: In total, 625 participants (of at least 2000 pharmacists approached by e-mail) who worked in either community pharmacy (n=432; 69.1%), hospital pharmacy (n=149; 23.8%) or other/combined settings (n=44; 7.0%) completed the survey. Most pharmacists (n=474; 75.2% to n=538; 86.1%) agreed with the possibility of introducing an independent but limited prescribing model or a prescribing model dependent on collaborative agreements with physicians, whereas a minority (n=245; 39.2%) supported full independent prescribing. All settings seemed suitable to introduce pharmacist prescribing. The precondition with highest agreement was access to health records (n=607; 97.1%). The most frequently mentioned benefits were enhanced professional position of pharmacists (n=574; 91.8%) and reduced workload for other prescribers (n=573; 91.7%). Increased workload for pharmacists (n=495; 79.2%) was most frequently identified as a risk. Conclusion: Pharmacists in the Netherlands are positive towards potential pharmacist prescribing in some limited or collaborative model. These findings may promote the future introduction of pharmacist prescribing.