Table 5 Expected roles of a clinical pharmacist, ideal vs current practice—practitioners’ perspectives –, N = 280, presented as N (%)

Medication management and patients’ health care

 1. History taking and reconciliation

F = 114.649, p < 0.001

 2. Follow guidelines and Protocols to ensure that patient receive optimal drug therapy and provide an effective and safe medicine

F = 90.628, p < 0.001

 3. Monitor and adjust patient therapy

F = 116.897, p < 0.001

 4. Detect and resolve drug-related problems (side effects, drug–drug interactions)

F = 86.944, p < 0.001

 5. Have prescribing responsibility and provide repeat medication independently

F = 108.433, p < 0.001

 6. Update clinical record

F = 152.591, p < 0.001

Patient examination and screening

 1. Conduct basic physical assessments

F = 49.995, p < 0.001

 2. Play an important role in reducing antibiotic resistance by changing antibiotics or dosing based on laboratory values

F = 104.705, p < 0.001

 3. Order and review laboratory tests

F = 75.177, p < 0.001

 4. Conduct drug allergy assessment

F = 77.894, p < 0.001

 5. Review immunizations and provide vaccines where required

F = 147.925, p < 0.001

Drug information and education

 1. Answer medication-related questions from patients and health care professionals

F = 29.778, p < 0.001

 2. Counseling and education on medication management (doses, frequency, onset of action, side effects, drug interactions, store condition) and provide evidence-based drug information’s and recommendations

F = 32.180, p < 0.001

 3. Provide non-pharmacological treatment (diet, exercise, smoking)

F = 65.374, p < 0.001

 4. Carry out compounding procedures to produce an effective and safe medicine (preparation of IV antibiotics, total parenteral nutrition)

F = 143.362, p < 0.001

 5. Act as preceptor for students

F = 39.029, p < 0.001

 6. Education of general physicians and other practice staff and mentor new prescribers

F = 83.410, p < 0.001

 7. Design prevention, intervention, and educational strategies for individuals and communities to manage chronic disease and improve health and wellness

F = 138.372, p < 0.001

 8. Educate individuals and communities to manage chronic diseases and improve health and wellness

F = 51.899, p < 0.001

Collaboration and liaison

 1. Regular participation on patient care rounds

F = 209.553, p < 0.001

 2. Refer to general physician and other health professional

F = 40.093, p < 0.001

 3. Participate in multidisciplinary reviews of patients

F = 113.091, p < 0.001

 4. Liaison role between hospital and community pharmacists across health sector

F = 122.517, p < 0.001

 5. Collaboration with other health care professionals (GPs, dietician, nurse practitioners)

F = 102.257, p < 0.001

 6. Attend and present at meetings with other healthcare staff and communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, pharmacy personnel, other health care professionals, community members, policy makers and administrators

F = 150.614, p < 0.001

 7. Interpret results derived experimentally or by simulation

- Summarize and present experimentally or simulated derived data

- Write a scientifically sound report of an experiment

- Utilize IT in data management and presentation

F = 106.608, p < 0.001

 8. Establish collaborative practice agreements with physician

F = 155.343, p < 0.001

Quality Assurance

 1. Play an important role in improving patient health outcome

F = 44.932, p < 0.001

 2. Physician workload could be minimized

F = 114.161, p < 0.001

 3. Help to reduce drug costs

F = 82.483, p < 0.001

 4. Participate in and coordinate research activities

F = 110.883, p < 0.001

 5. Developing clinical guidelines and prescribing templates

F = 180.077, p < 0.001