Evaluation of Clinical Pharmacy Knowledge and Perception of Patient Care Roles Among Students : A Research

Abstract

Introduction: Clinical pharmacists treat patients to optimize medication therapy and promote health, wellness, and illness prevention. The goal of this study was to assess students’ attitudes, understanding, and awareness of clinical pharmacy and its potential to enhance patient care and health outcomes. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was used to assess the knowledge, awareness, and opinions of pharmacy and allied health science students regarding clinical pharmacy practice. Data was gathered over the course of two weeks using a self-administered online survey distributed via Google Forms. A total of 200 students were chosen through convenience sampling, and only complete responses were included in the final analysis. The knowledge and attitudes regarding clinical pharmacy, over-the-counter (OTC) medication use, patient counseling, drug interactions, and medication errors were evaluated in this study. Result: The study included 218 participants, mostly aged 20–22 years, with a predominance of Females and B. Pharm graduates. Participants demonstrated good knowledge of medication safety, including, with over 85–95% showing awareness in these areas Knowledge of OTC medication risks was reported by 87%, while about 50% expressed concerns about their safe use without guidance. Awareness of medication safety aspects, including drug interactions (94%) and medication errors (>90%), was notably high. Additionally, a positive attitude toward clinical pharmacy was observed, with 58.5% expressing interest in pursuing it as a career. Conclusion: The study shows that most participants have a clear understanding of clinical pharmacy and view its role in patient care positively. They are generally well aware of medication safety, counselling, and the importance of preventing drug-related problems, though a few areas like OTC medicine use still need better clarity. With more focused learning and practical exposure, their knowledge and confidence can improve further. Overall, the results reflect a promising outlook for clinical pharmacy and its role in enhancing patient care.