Exploring views of pharmacists on antibacterial prescribing: a Maltese perspective

• Published in: The International journal of pharmacy practice Vol. 27; no. 3; p. 256
• Main Authors: Attard Pizzuto, Maresca, Camilleri, Liberato, Azzopardi, Lilian M, Serracino-Inglott, Anthony
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.06.2019
• Subjects: prescribing; pharmacists; antibiotics; perception
• ISSN: 2042-7174
• DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12498

To investigate the perception of Maltese pharmacists to prescribe a selected number of antibiotics. 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. 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. 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.