Community pharmacists demonstrate greater assertiveness with multidisciplinary training

Community pharmacists demonstrate greater assertiveness with multidisciplinary training

Community pharmacists, as integral members of the healthcare system, play a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. “Assertive self-expression,” a communication style characterized by open and respectful expression of opinions and feelings, has attracted attention, particularly in interactions with physicians and other health professionals. Previous studies have shown that pharmacists with assertive communication tendencies are more likely to provide suggestions to physicians regarding drug prescriptions. This study aimed to examine factors associated with higher levels of assertive self-expression among community pharmacists.

A questionnaire survey was distributed to 3,446 community pharmacists working in 10 prefectures in Japan. The survey examined various factors, including age, employment status, educational background, years of work experience, visiting pharmacist experience, and participation in multidisciplinary training and meetings. Of the 961 participants who responded, those who regularly attended local multiprofessional workshops and meetings demonstrated significantly higher levels of assertive self-expression. This trend remained even after adjusting for other variables.

Although this study highlights the association between active participation in local multidisciplinary workshops and assertive communication among community pharmacists, further research is needed to establish a causal link.

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