Perception of Pharmaceutical Care Roles of Pharmacists among In-patients in a Tertiary Care Facility in Jos City, Nigeria

Aims: The study is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the perception of in-patients on the pharmaceutical care (PC) roles of pharmacists. This is useful in assessing the quality of care provided by the pharmacist and in the design and implementation of improved PC program in Nigeria.
Study Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: Jos University teaching hospital (JUTH), between June and October 2013.
Methodology: The perception of the PC roles of pharmacists was assessed in consented in-patients, using 23-items self administered questionnaire. Factors of PC assessed included: knowledge of the pharmacy profession, interpersonal relationship, collaboration with other professionals, and managing therapy. Factors associated with the perception of respondents on the PC roles of pharmacists were analyzed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U Test.
Results: A total of 548 out of 551 questionnaires were completely filled and analyzed (response rate 99%). Majority (64%) of the respondents are in the age range of 21-40 years. Females accounted for 53% (n= 288). Overall, perception of respondents was excellent with a mean percentage perception score of 86% [95% confidence interval: 84 to 88%]. Knowledge of the pharmacy profession had the highest positive perception score of 89% while Interpersonal relationship had the highest negative perception score of 16%. Sex, marital status and ward of admission were significantly associated with respondents’ perception, whereas age and occupation were not.
Conclusion: In general, in-patients in JUTH have excellent perception about the PC role of the pharmacist. However, there is a need to develop strategies to improve on the therapeutic relationship which is critical to the attainment of PC goals.