An assessment of pharmacists' caring ability

To assess the level of caring ability of practicing pharmacists and to examine differences in caring ability by sex, degree earned, practice setting, years in practice, and whether the pharmacist provides clinical services.

Descriptive survey study.

The survey was mailed to a stratified random sample of pharmacists registered in Illinois (n = 1,200).

Caring Ability Inventory (CAI) score. Information was also gathered regarding respondents' practice setting, number and types of clinical services provided, and demographic characteristics.

Of the 1,076 deliverable surveys, 323 were returned completed and used in the analysis (response rate = 30%). Mean CAI score +/- standard deviation was 203.0 +/- 17.7. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences in CAI score by sex, degree earned, or practice setting. A significant and positive correlation was found between years in practice and CAI score. Pharmacists who provided disease management and other clinical services scored significantly higher on the CAI than pharmacists who did not.

Pharmacists exhibit relatively high levels of caring ability as assessed by the CAI. Further inquiry into the nature of caring and its implications for pharmacy practice is needed.