Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Clinical Pharmacy Services and Their Impact on The Management of Cancer in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

Ahmed M Kabel,Morouj M Bakr,Meaad H Altowairqi,Shahad M Alwagdani,Abeer M Alshanbari,Hanan A Altalhi,Shayma H Alzaidi

doi:10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.2.531

Abstract

Aim:To assess the perception and attitude of HCPs and health-related science colleges’ students regarding the clinical pharmacists’ roles and responsibilities in providing better pharmaceutical care to patients in Taif, Saudi Arabia and to detect its impact on management of cancer. Methods:This study was conducted in four randomly selected hospitals in Taif and three health-related science colleges in Taif University. A questionnaire was distributed to HCPs and another questionnaire to students of health-related science colleges. Results:Three quarters of students perceived that the clinical pharmacist is an important part of the healthcare team. Two-thirds of HCPs expressed confidence in the ability of clinical pharmacists to minimize medication errors. Although two-thirds of HCPs reported that they did not have clinical pharmacists in their institutions, there was substantial willingness among HCPs to cooperate with the clinical pharmacists. Most HCPs expressed the view that the clinical pharmacist is an important integral part of the healthcare team and has a positive impact on cancer management. Conclusion:HCPs and students of health-related science colleges valued the role of clinical pharmacists in healthcare delivery and management of cancer. However, new developments in clinical pharmacy services in Taif hospitals are recommended to improve perception and attitudes towards the clinical pharmacy services. Also, well-organized programs should be conducted to students of health-related science colleges to improve their perceptions and attitudes towards the clinical pharmacy services which may have a positive impact on cancer management.

Highlights

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by unregulated cell growth and differentiation
Well-organized programs should be conducted to students of health-related science colleges to improve their perceptions and attitudes towards the clinical pharmacy services which may have a positive impact on cancer management
Students’ perception and attitude Table 2 shows the data obtained by student respondents who gave their opinions on the statements included in the questionnaire. 174 (50.3%) of the students previously heard about the clinical pharmacy program while 272 (78.6%) believed that the clinical pharmacist is an important and integral part of the medical team

Summary

Introduction

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by unregulated cell growth and differentiation. Clinical pharmacy is a health science whereby pharmacists provide patient care that optimizes medication therapy and promotes health, wellness and disease prevention (Francis et al, 2014; Rotta et al, 2015). This field of pharmacy practice focuses on patient-oriented rather than drug product-oriented service (Kelly et al, 2013). This science emerged as a result of dissatisfaction with old practice norms and the pressing need for a competent health professional with a comprehensive knowledge in the therapeutic use of drugs. The level of interaction between the physicians and pharmacists in the developed world is high, resulting in safer, more effective and less costly drug therapy (Asiri, 2011; Saddique, 2011; Al-Qadheeb et al, 2012)

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