To reveal the unseen low‐hanging fruit: A multi‐method study of Indonesian hospital pharmacist perception regarding the implementation of injection‐to‐oral conversion activity

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionPrevious studies have demonstrated that the adoption of injection‐to‐oral conversion strategies in hospitalised patient yields both clinical and economic benefits. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of the current state of implementation and evaluate the perspectives of hospital pharmacists to guide future initiatives towards conversion implementation in Indonesia.MethodsA multi‐method design was utilised. Quantitative approach used cross‐sectional study design in which data were collected online using Google Form from August to October 2021. Qualitative analysis employed a phenomenological approach by performing in‐depth interviews from July to August 2021. Each approach's data were compared to discover connections and discrepancies, and the final interpretation was done simultaneously.ResultsA total of 204 pharmacists participated in the survey, with 64.2% of them reporting no previous experience in conversion. An in‐depth interview included seven hospital pharmacists, with three themes were emerged: (1) strategic roles of the pharmacist; (2) key considerations; and (3) potential barriers and enablers of conversion implementation. Based on the elaboration of quantitative and qualitative data, the study found that pharmacist had strong perception regarding pharmacist role in conversion despite their little experience in implementing the activity. For future improvement, a platform that taking into account the pharmacist current conditions and insights should be created.ConclusionsPharmacists appreciated conversion activity and grasped its concepts despite little clinical experience. Consider possible enabling and barrier factors and essential considerations before taking action. Local guidelines and instructional materials that emphasise application or implementation are encouraged. Furthermore, the implementation project must be piloted and evaluated for clinical and economic outcomes.