Patienters uppfattning av kliniska apotekare inom slutenvården

Sammanfattning: Background: Patient harm is a global problem that causes hundreds of millions of hospitalizations every year. Part of the problem is medicinal harm, many of which are preventable. One way to improve rational treatment is the use of clinical pharmacists within healthcare. By conducting medication reviews medical related problems can be identified and actions set in before further harm is made. Those directly impacted by any complication are the patients, yet in Sweden studies have focused on experiences of health personnel. To promote person-centered care, it is therefore important to focus on patients’ point of view. Aim: To explore inpatients’ knowledge about and experiences with clinical pharmacists. Method: Individual semi-structured interviews with inpatients from a Swedish hospital. The patients had met with a clinical pharmacist earlier in the day and were asked questions related to that meeting. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and qualitative analyzed withthematic analysis. Results: In total 20 patients were interviewed from four different wards: 55 % were female and the average age was 75 years (41-89 years). Four main themes were identified: 1) Earlier knowledge about clinical pharmacists; 2) Pharmacists integration into care; 3) Personal traits of a pharmacist; and 4) Patient benefit of the meeting. Conclusion: Inpatients’ knowledge about clinical pharmacists is low and few expect to meet one during hospitalization. Still, the general impression is mostly positive, and patients appreciate both the person and the context. Future research should focus on how to promote clinical pharmacists to increase patient awareness and their involvement in care.