Main difficulties faced by pharmacists to exercise their clinical attributions in Brazil

Abstract

To determine the main difficulties faced by Brazilian pharmacists to exercise their clinical attributions. This is an exploratory study from a panel of experts using the Delphi technique adapted in two rounds, with pharmaceutical Brazilian members of Research Groups in Clinical Pharmacy attending patients. In the first round, participants listed difficulties to perform clinical duties. Two independent reviewers categorized these difficulties being measured the kappa coefficient to measure the degree of agreement. A third evaluator intervened in values less than 0.40. In the second round, the categorization was sent to the participants, who performed prioritization on points. From the sum of the prioritization determined to prioritize difficulties around the group. 44 clinical pharmacists participated in the study, 72.7% female and long experience working as a clinical pharmacist of 70.18 ± 53.7 months. There was obtained a list of 116 responses in the two evaluators 12 categorized into difficulties, not obtaining agreement of only one of them. The three difficulties prioritized as most important are related to pharmaceutical education. The main difficulties raised by the participants indicates that the pharmaceutical education is directly involved in the conduct of clinical services. Educational reform is needed to change the scenario in the country.