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Prescription modifications by pharmacists and their views on potential prescribing authority: a nationwide survey

delete2026-03-01
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PRE
AI
N
Nguyen, Kelly H. M.
A
Abadier, Marianna
H
Hazen, Ankie C. M.
H
Heringa, Mette
K
Kwint, Henk-Frans
V
van Dijk, Liset
B
Bouvy, Marcel L.
K
Kempen, Thomas G. H. *
DOI:10.1093/ijpp/riag031delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Objectives In several countries, pharmacists have gained prescribing authority to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare. Elsewhere, pharmacists initiate or modify prescriptions that are subsequently countersigned by a prescriber, potentially serving as a stepping stone toward formal prescribing legislation. This study aimed to investigate current prescription modifications by Dutch pharmacists and their views on introducing prescribing authority.Methods A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among pharmacists in the Netherlands via national professional networks in April and May 2024. The questionnaire assessed current prescription modification practices, pharmacists' agreement regarding the introduction of formal prescribing authority, and their perceived needs and readiness for prescribing. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Key findings Among the 476 respondents, most worked in community pharmacy (76.7%; n = 365), followed by inpatient hospital pharmacy (14.7%; n = 70). The two most common prescription modifications were adjusting or initiating prescriptions based on clinical decision rules (81.1%; n = 386), and performing therapeutic substitution during drug shortages or according to local formularies (79.6%; n = 379). Almost all respondents favoured formal prescribing authority for at least one prescription modification practice (98.1%; n = 467). Respondents most often indicated clear task division and agreements between physicians and pharmacists (93.9%, n = 447) as a need for implementation. Readiness to use prescribing authority was reported by 92.6% (n = 441) of the respondents.Conclusions The majority of pharmacists frequently initiate or modify prescriptions, and expressed both willingness and readiness to formalize these practices. These findings are valuable for policymakers considering the introduction of formal pharmacist prescribing authority.
Keywords:
pharmacists
pharmacist prescribing
non-medical prescribing
survey and questionnaires
drug prescribing

Journal

I
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE
IF:
1.8
Papers:
201
Citations:
0

Organization

U
Utrecht University
Scholars:
5.9W
Papers: 5.1W
Citations: 5.8W
N
Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research
Scholars:
862
Papers: 879
Citations: 793
E
erasmus university rotterdam
Scholars:
2.4K
Papers: 1.0K
Citations: 0
U
utrecht university medical center
Scholars:
439
Papers: 248
Citations: 0
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