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A Qualitative Analysis of the Perception of Academic Pharmacists Regarding their Role in Healthcare System of Two Pakistani Cities


S Azhar
MA Hassali
A Igbal
N Jabeen
A Latif
N Ullah
SA Khan
Y Akhtar
G Murtaza

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the role and perception of academic pharmacists regarding their role in the healthcare system of Pakistan.
Methods: Qualitative methodology was used to explore the perception of academic pharmacists, and semi-structured interview was used to collect the data. The study was conducted in the cities of Islamabad and Lahore, Pakistan from April to June 2011.
Results: On the basis of the interview guide, thematic content analysis yielded five major themes: 1) the need for a more comprehensive pharmacy curriculum; 2) perception of pharmaceutical care in Pakistan; 3) collaboration with other healthcare professionals; and 4) strategies to improve the status of pharmacist.
Conclusion: There is a necessity for curriculum alignment, which is considered important to enhance pharmacy practice activities, as this will ultimately yield several benefits for pharmacists, including job satisfaction.

Keywords: Academic pharmacist, Perception, Pharmacists’ role, Healthcare system


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eISSN: 1596-9827
print ISSN: 1596-5996