Pharmacist roles in the medication use process: Perceptions of patients, physicians, and pharmacists

It is uncertain whether stakeholder perceptions of pharmacist roles in the medication use process (MUP) have evolved alongside pharmacist advanced scope of practice. This study aimed to examine patient, pharmacist, and physician perceptions of pharmacist roles in the MUP. This IRB-approved study used a cross-sectional design with online panels of patients, pharmacists, and physicians. A Qualtrics panel of 1,004 patients, 205 pharmacists, and 200 physicians completed the surveys between August-November 2021. Using role theory as framework, 12-item surveys were developed to examine perceptions regarding effectiveness of and best choice for improving each MUP step. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlations, and comparisons. Majority of the physician, pharmacist, and patient samples believed that physicians prescribe the best possible medications (93.5%, 83.4%, 89.0% respectively), prescriptions are filled accurately (59.0%, 61.4%, 92.6% respectively) and timely (86.0%, 68.8, 90.2% respectively). Majority of physicians (78.5%) opined prescriptions are generally error free and patients are monitored (71%); fewer pharmacists agreed (42.9%, 51%; p