Health-Care Students' Perception on the Role and Contribution of Pharmacists: A Case Study in Ghana

Objective: The objective of this study was to access the perception of non-pharmacy health-care students on the role and contribution of pharmacists in to health-care delivery in Ghana. Furthermore, the influence of factors such as sex, program of study and frequency of interaction with pharmacists on this perception was determined.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was designed and administered to 670 medical, optometry and nursing students of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana after a pilot study was conducted. Results: The students strongly agreed that the role of the pharmacist is dispensing drugs, collaborating with physicians to prescribe medications. The students also appreciated the contribution of pharmacists in helping to reduce adverse reactions to medications. The students, however, showed little appreciation of pharmacists carrying out research or physical examinations and helping to reduce cost to patients. There was no effect of sex on the perception of students, although the frequency of interaction with pharmacists influenced their perceptions

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that non-pharmacy health students appreciate certain roles and contributions of pharmacists to health-care.