Pharmacists' readiness to adopt prescribing authority in Jordan

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The overall objective of this study is to assess the views and attitudes of Jordanian pharmacists on expanded pharmacist prescribing role. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted using a web-based questionnaire. Pharmacists were invited to take part in this study through pharmacists' Facebook groups for pharmacists in Jordan. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data in addition to the t-test to compare the mean difference of support levels toward supplementary and independent prescribing. Key findings A total of 521 pharmacists took part in this study. The majority of respondents (n = 482; 92.5%) believe that pharmacists in Jordan should have an expanded prescribing role. Respondents were significantly in favour of supplementary prescribing (P < 0.05) than independent prescribing for various medical condition (e.g. diabetes and asthma). Respondents identified securing more roles in healthcare (n = 464; 89%) and increasing pharmacy profits (n = 420; 80.7%) as key facilitators to adopt this new role. Whereas inadequate training in the diagnosis of disease (n = 457; 87.7%), and inadequate training in patient assessment and monitoring (n = 453; 86.9%) were reported as the most likely barriers. Conclusion Overall, Jordanian pharmacists strongly supported the expanded prescribing role and favoured supplementary prescribing for chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes). The study highlighted the need for additional training in various areas (e.g. diagnosing and managing some clinical conditions) to prepare Jordanian pharmacists for this new role.