Value of Board Certification in the Hospital Setting: A Survey of Academic and Nonacademic Medical Centers

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the current attitudes toward pharmacist specialty board certification in an array of hospital practice settings as perceived by directors of pharmacy (DOP) and to identify incentives available to pharmacists to become board certified. Methods A seven-question survey was developed that assessed demographic information along with information regarding overall value of board certification in the view of the institution. The types of incentives provided to become a board-certified pharmacist were also evaluated. The survey was administered via the Internet to 295 DOPs within two large listserves, the University HealthSystem Consortium and Pharmacy Systems, Inc. Responses were collected for a total of 4 weeks, with a reminder e-mail sent 2 weeks after survey distribution to encourage survey completion. Results A total of 85 DOPs completed the survey. Academic institutions (AIs) had a higher percentage of board-certified pharmacists versus nonacademic institutions (NAIs) (26% vs 6%, P < 0.001). DOPs at AIs placed a higher value on board certification than DOPs at NAIs (93% vs 39%, P < 0.001). AIs were nearly eight times more likely to provide at least one incentive to become board certified compared to NAIs (odds ratio, 7.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.18 to 52.5; P = 0.033). Conclusions This investigation demonstrates a lack of dissemination of the benefits of board certification into NAIs. Efforts should be increased to show the value of specialty board certification outside the arena of AIs.