Pharmacists’ Perspectives on Gaps in Pharmaceutical Care Roles regarding Ward Rounds and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring : A Qualitative Study in a Tertiary Hospital
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Abstract
Objective: To explore the perspectives of pharmacists working in a tertiary hospital in Khon Kaen Province regarding their roles in pharmaceutical care. Methods: This research was a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 18 key informants. Participants included pharmacists who were regularly assigned to general internal medicine wards and oncology wards, as well as those not regularly stationed in inpatient wards. The informants represented various departments within the pharmacy division, held different professional responsibilities, and had diverse levels of work experience. Data collection was conducted between October 1 and November 15, 2024. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis. Results: Pharmacists expressed a positive attitude toward their role in ward rounds and recognized the significance of participating in this activity. Those working directly in the wards appreciated the benefits of collaborating with the medical team in comprehensive medication planning. However, their involvement remained limited due to heavy workloads, insufficient staffing, and a lack of structured systems or limited mechanisms for interdisciplinary collaboration. Regarding therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), many pharmacists lacked confidence in their specialized knowledge. There were few pharmacists formally responsible for TDM. Additionally, the supporting systems were incomplete in terms of information and technology. Nevertheless, those with prior experience or specialized training were able to perform TDM effectively and were well accepted by the healthcare team. Conclusion: Pharmacists’ roles in pharmaceutical care still show gaps in key activities, particularly ward rounds and TDM, which have yet to meet the expectations of medical professionals. Pharmacists proposed strategies for improvement, including adequate staffing, clear systems for ward participation, promotion of specialized training, establishment of dedicated TDM units, and the integration of modern technologies. These strategies would fill the gap and improve the overall quality of patient care.
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ผลการวิจัยและความคิดเห็นที่ปรากฏในบทความถือเป็นความคิดเห็นและอยู่ในความรับผิดชอบของผู้นิพนธ์ มิใช่ความเห็นหรือความรับผิดชอบของกองบรรณาธิการ หรือคณะเภสัชศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยสงขลานครินทร์ ทั้งนี้ไม่รวมความผิดพลาดอันเกิดจากการพิมพ์ บทความที่ได้รับการเผยแพร่โดยวารสารเภสัชกรรมไทยถือเป็นสิทธิ์ของวารสารฯ
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