Pharmacists' perceived knowledge and expertise in selected pediatric topics.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to determine pharmacists' perceived knowledge and expertise required to make recommendations regarding selected pediatric topics.

METHODS

A questionnaire was distributed to 400 pharmacists practicing in community, hospital, and home care settings. This instrument explored their perceived knowledge, expertise, and comfort in providing recommendations related to 38 pediatric topics. The impact of responder demographics on differences in perceived knowledge and expertise for each topic were evaluated.

RESULTS

Ninety-five of 400 (24%) questionnaires were returned completed or partially completed. Forty-seven and 36 of responders practiced in the community or inpatient hospital setting, respectively. Seventy percent of responders reported that ≤ 40% of their patients were children. In general, responders believed they had the knowledge and expertise to make recommendations for the frequently occurring conditions or topics but not for the less familiar. Formal pediatric training was the most influential responder characteristic with a larger proportion having training that they believed enables them to have knowledge and expertise to make recommendations. Although less impressive, experience of more than 5 years and a community-based practice were also important factors.

CONCLUSION

Additional training is beneficial in increasing the perceived knowledge and comfort of pharmacists making recommendations regarding pediatric patients.