The physician perspective on pharmacist-physician collaboration and trust

Abstract

Background: Health care has shifted to focus less on individual practitioners and more on providing interprofessional and collaborative patient care. A strong working relationship among pharmacists and physicians is imperative for patient care and safety.

Objectives: The objective of this research was to examine physician perspectives of the relationship between physicians and pharmacists, specifically evaluating the qualities and actions necessary for pharmacists to establish trust to provide the best quality of patient care.

Methods: Semistructured qualitative key informant interviews were conducted with 11 physicians. Questions were designed to gather information about the physicians' experiences with pharmacists and perceived barriers and opportunities for building trust and collaboration. The Unified Theory of Trust and Collaboration was used as a theoretical framework.

Results: The ability to cooperate was the most important aspect identified by all 11 physicians in creating effective collaboration along with respect, knowledge, communication, and trust. Common barriers identified with the pharmacist-physician relationship were the lack of identity, rapport, knowledge, positive attitude, and communication.

Conclusion: Building trust and narrowing the gaps of communication are crucial in achieving effective collaborative practice among health professionals. Pharmacists and physicians must have the capability to cooperate with one another, understand the common moral responsibility they share, recognize the implications of their personal behavior on their professional relationships, and focus on their scope of practice without crossing boundaries. Through positive behaviors of civility, communication, adaption, and mutual respect in their individual roles, pharmacists and physicians can enhance their relationship and practice collaboratively.