Do Future Physicians Know a Clinical Hospital Pharmacist's Capabilities?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pharmacy Practice
• Healthcare Teams

Background:

• Physician perception of pharmacists is positive, but future physicians' views on clinical hospital pharmacists are largely unknown.
• Understanding medical students' perceptions can inform educational strategies for optimal pharmacist utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine medical students' perceptions of clinical pharmacists within the hospital setting.
• To assess medical students' knowledge and attitudes regarding clinical hospital pharmacists' roles.

Main Methods:

• A 27-item survey was distributed to medical students at eight Ohio medical schools.
• Survey assessed past interactions, understanding of roles, and current perceptions of clinical pharmacists.
• Quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data used thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• 124 medical students participated across 3 schools.
• Students recognized clinical pharmacists as essential to patient care (Mean ± SD = 4.47 ± 0.829).
• Students perceived clinical pharmacists as medication experts (66.7%), important team members (54.8%), and resources for drug information (35.7%).

Conclusions:

• Medical students hold positive attitudes towards clinical pharmacists, acknowledging their medication expertise.
• Gaps exist in medical students' awareness of the full scope of clinical pharmacist responsibilities.
• Educational initiatives are needed to enhance understanding of clinical pharmacists' practice.