Hospital administrators' perceptions of pharmacy directors

The results of a national survey of hospital administrators' perceptions of pharmacy directors are reported. A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 1000 hospital administrators nationwide. The questionnaire asked each administrator to rate the managerial skills of pharmacy directors in general and the pharmacy director at his or her institution on a 5-point scale. The value the administrator placed on clinical pharmacy services was investigated, as was the administrator's knowledge of the education of the pharmacy director and the reporting structure between administrator and pharmacy director. The net response rate was 47.8% (478 usable replies). The hospital administrators believed that pharmacy directors in general need to improve their relationship with the nursing staff, their basic managerial skills, and their communication skills. They believed that the pharmacy director at their own institution excelled at keeping up with progressive pharmacy practice, inventory management, and interacting with the pharmacy and therapeutics committee. The administrators indicated that it is very important for the pharmacy department to be involved in therapeutic drug monitoring and medication counseling and to be progressive in their offerings of services. Hospital administrators had a positive perception of the abilities of pharmacy directors but believed that there is still room for improvement.