Exploring views of pharmacists on antibacterial prescribing: a Maltese perspective

Objectives To investigate the perception of Maltese pharmacists to prescribe a selected number of antibiotics. Methods A self‐administered questionnaire entitled ‘Antibiotic Prescribing by Pharmacists’ was developed to study pharmacist perception to prescribing a selected number of antibacterial agents. The questionnaire was validated by a two‐round Delphi technique and disseminated to all practising pharmacists (N = 930) during a 3‐month period. Key findings Two hundred and nine pharmacists answered the questionnaire. The majority of pharmacists (77%) were in agreement with pharmacists prescribing a selected number of antibacterials. Reasons given are that pharmacist prescribing would increase recognition of the participation of pharmacists within patient care and as members of the healthcare team. Protocol‐based prescribing was the preferred model for prescribing by 60% of pharmacists. Half of the respondents (50%) feel competent to prescribe, 34% have no opinion and 16% do not feel competent at all. Co‐amoxiclav for an uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection was the antibacterial that most pharmacists (51%) feel confident prescribing. When pharmacists were asked whether they feel comfortable prescribing other medications rather than antibacterials, 93% answered positively, with 83% feeling mostly comfortable prescribing lactulose solution. Conclusion Pharmacists in Malta are in agreement with prescribing selected antibiotics for minor ailments. A collaborative approach between medical practitioners and pharmacists should be evaluated as a possible national structure towards achieving better antibiotic prescribing whilst giving patient access to the use of antibacterials as necessary.