Analysis of Factors Contributing to the Hesitation of Pharmacists to Address Prescription-Related Questions in Pharmacies

Hideaki Hiraga; Mayuko Kusano; Sanako Yamazaki; Misaki Ogata; Shuusuke Uekusa; Ayaka Sugesawa; Rio Tagaya; Yoshio Akimoto; Tomofumi Manabe; Noriyuki Kiuchi; Ayako Ohashi; Kana Hayata; Noboru Kuyama

Return

Analysis of Factors Contributing to the Hesitation of Pharmacists to Address Prescription-Related Questions in Pharmacies

VernacularTitle:疑義照会を躊躇する心理に影響を与える薬局薬剤師の個人的要因に関する調査研究
Author: Hideaki HIRAGA ¹ ; Mayuko KUSANO ¹ ; Sanako YAMAZAKI ¹ ; Misaki OGATA ¹ ; Shuusuke UEKUSA ² ; Ayaka SUGESAWA ¹ ; Rio TAGAYA ¹ ; Yoshio AKIMOTO ³ ; Tomofumi MANABE ⁴ ; Noriyuki KIUCHI ⁵ ; Ayako OHASHI ⁶ ; Kana HAYATA ⁶ ; Noboru KUYAMA ⁷
Author Information

1. Department of Pharmaceutical Laws, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University
2. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University
3. Medi-Quality Security Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University
4. Inba Pharmaceutical Association
5. Narita Pharmaceutical Association
6. KENEI Co., Ltd.
7. Anbe Kid’s Clinic
Keywords: prescription question; medical care; medical insurance; pharmacy pharmacist
From:Japanese Journal of Social Pharmacy 2022;41(1):10-27
CountryJapan
Language:Japanese
Abstract: Owing to the fear of worsening their relationship with physicians, several pharmacists hesitate to contact physicians regarding prescription-related questions. We investigated the personal factors of pharmacists contributing to their hesitation to contact physicians regarding prescription-related questions. We analyzed the responses of 213 pharmacy pharmacists. A comparison of the degree of hesitation to contact physicians regarding prescription-related questions revealed that the most hesitant questions were pertaining to “the same prescription content from before”; insurance questions (3.37) were higher than medical questions (3.20) (P＝0.006). The multiple regression analysis results revealed that “pharmacy work is busy and there is no time” was influenced by regular employees (medical (β＝−0.181, P＝0.030) and insurance (β＝−0.257, P＝0.002)). “A co-pharmacist said no questions needed” was influenced by the sex of pharmacists (medical (β＝0.194, P＝0.011) and insurance (β＝0.177, P＝0.020)). Overall, type of questions (medical or insurance) and individual backgrounds (prescription issuing medical institution, pharmacy scale, location, age, sex, employment type, years of service, current management pharmacist, and hospital work experience) have a complex effect on the pharmacists’ psychology. To facilitate pharmacists to contact physicians regarding prescription-related questions, physicians and pharmacists should share information and communicate on a daily basis, such as actively participate in joint training programs. It is also important to create an environment where regular employees and female pharmacists can work comfortably. The smooth resolution of prescription-related questions by relieving the psychological pressure of pharmacists will improve patient safety.