Exploring the Professional Identity of Hospital Pharmacists in British Columbia

Abstract

Background: Pharmacists lack a cohesive professional identity, with only limited previous research on the formation of a professional identity for pharmacy. In particular, there is sparse information on the professional identity of pharmacists who practise in hospital settings. Objectives: To determine hospital pharmacists’ professional identity and the characteristics of an ideal pharmacist and ideal practice setting. Methods: This qualitative study used key informant interviews with semistructured questions. A maximum variation sampling strategy was used to recruit a cross-section of pharmacists from different geographic areas of British Columbia who were practising in a variety of roles. The interviews were transcribed and then analyzed thematically. Results: Nineteen pharmacists participated in the study. Seven themes pertaining to hospital pharmacists’ professional identity were generated, specifically medication expert, therapy optimizer, collaborator, educator, researcher, patient advocate, and unknown professional. Similarities were found with personas previously identified in a population of primarily community pharmacists. The ideal pharmacist was described as being a medication expert, a collaborator, and a leader. The ideal practice setting was characterized as being adequately funded and allowing pharmacists to practise to their full scope. Conclusions: Hospital pharmacists’ professional identity is based on being a medication expert who is seen as an essential member of a collaborative team.