INTERPROFESSIONAL MISUNDERSTANDINGS BETWEEN PHARMACISTS AND PHYSICIANS IN GEORGIA

Abstract

The aim of the study was deficiencies in the pharmacist-physician's interprofessional communication in Georgia. Pharmacists need communication with the doctor to solve a patient's problems instantly, but most of them are unable to contact the doctor due to communication difficulties or non-collegial attitudes. The study showed that colleagues in Georgia have a certain degree of "distrust" of each other, because they believe that they are in a deal with pharmaceutical companies. Half of the surveyed doctors do not contact the pharmacist because they do not see the need, 15% of the doctors mention the incompetence of the pharmacists. It is noteworthy that pharmacists are more willing to cooperate with physicians than physicians. One-fifth of colleagues have a negative experience of professional collaboration.Inter-professional misunderstandings and communication difficulties between doctors and pharmacists were revealed in Georgia. This systemic problem prevents the pharmacist from optimal patient-oriented pharmaceutical care at a pharmacy.This goes through the category of problems that the good will of one of the parties alone will not be enough to solve it. This requires the involvement of such links in the healthcare system as the Ministry of Health and professional medical associations (doctors and pharmacists). It is necessary to develop complex training and communication programs with high involvement of both parties, which will ultimately lead to the desired result and eliminate the above-mentioned important national specifics in the pharmacist-physician chain.