A cross sectional survey of the views of newly registered pharmacists in Great Britain on their potential prescribing role: A cautious approach

Abstract

AIM To investigate newly registered pharmacists' awareness of pharmacist prescribing and views on potential future roles as prescribers. METHODS A mailed questionnaire was sent to all 1658 pharmacists joining the Pharmacist Register in 2009. RESULTS The response rate was 25.2% (n= 418). While most (86.4%) expressed interest in prescribing training, they acknowledged training needs in clinical examination, patient monitoring and medico-legal aspects of prescribing. Two thirds of respondents (66.3%) thought the current requirement of being registered as a pharmacist for 2 years prior to commencing prescribing training was appropriate. CONCLUSION Newly registered pharmacists are cautious in their approach to taking on prescribing training and roles. © 2011 The Authors. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology © 2011 The British Pharmacological Society.