Insights into participation in ward rounds in hospitals: A survey of clinical pharmacists' perceptions

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Clinical pharmacists’ participation in ward rounds (WRs) has been a great chance to contribute to team-based care in the hospital setting and significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Hence, the objective of this investigation was to explore the perceptions of clinical pharmacists in Yemen regarding their participation in WRs and the factors influencing their involvement.

Methods

An online survey of Yemeni clinical pharmacists was conducted and lasted for two months. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the survey responses.

Results

a total of 120 participants were involved. About 3 out of 10 pharmacists had not previously participated in WRs, with only 30% having always or most of the time participated in word rounds alongside physicians. The results showed a positive perception of WR participation, with a median and IQR of 5(4–5). However, a lack of awareness of WR roles and the time-consuming nature of participation were the reasons for non-involvement.

Conclusion

The study highlights the positive perceptions of Yemeni clinical pharmacists towards ward rounds, but emphasises the need to address awareness and time constraints. Emphasising patient-centered care and longer internship durations can improve clinical pharmacist involvement. Future research should focus on optimising clinical pharmacist participation for better patient outcomes and care quality.

KEYWORDS:

• Clinical pharmacists
• clinical pharmacy services
• internship
• medical wards
• pharmacy practice
• professional practice
• ward rounds
• Yemen

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge all clinical pharmacists who participated in this study. Special thanks to Dr. Waleed A. Hadair for his contribution to data collection.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Najmaddin A. H. Hatem

Dr. Najmaddin A. H. Hatem is a clinical pharmacy specialist affiliated with the College of Clinical Pharmacy. he has graduated with Honors from Hodeidah University with BClinPharm. He has been recognized for his outstanding research contributions with the prestigious Research Excellence award from Hodeidah University. Dr. Hatem's areas of expertise and research publications encompass pharmacy education, clinical pharmacy, and pharmaceutical care. His dedication to these areas underscores his commitment to advancing the field of clinical pharmacy and enhancing pharmaceutical care practices in Yemen.

Seena A. Yousuf

Dr. Seena A. Yousuf is an assistant professor and the head of Department of community medicine and public health at faculty of medicine and health sciences, University of Aden, she is a professional Master-Health Administration Coordinator Yemeni council of medical specialty and Supervisor of many medial master students in Aden University. Seena's research work involve public health, health policy. She earned her PhD degree in Social Medicine and Public Health from university of Aden 2019.

Mohamed Izham Mohamed Ibrahim

Dr. Mohamed Izham Mohamed Ibrahim is the Dean and a Professor of Social and Administrative Pharmacy at College of Pharmacy, Qatar University. His areas of research, publication and consultancy are in the area of Social & Administrative Pharmacy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) that focus on Pharmaceutical Policy & Supply Management, Pharmacoeconomics, Pharmacoepidemiology, Socio-behavioral Aspects of Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Management & Marketing.

Gubran S. Al-Galal

Gubran S. Al-Galal PharmD student in University of Science and Technology, Sana'a, Yemen.