Perceptions and expectations of healthcare professionals about the roles of pharmacists at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Pharmacy education in Thailand has shifted toward a patient-centered approach through the implementation of the 6-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D.) program. Despite this transition, pharmaceutical care services remain limited due to challenges such as inadequate clinical skills, communication barriers, and differing perceptions among healthcare professionals. The perceptions and expectations of healthcare professionals about pharmaceutical care have not been fully examined in a tertiary hospital in Thailand. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine and compare the perceptions and expectations of pharmacists’ role in pharmaceutical care among physicians, nurses, and pharmacists at a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 322 healthcare professionals (44 physicians, 242 nurses, and 36 pharmacists) at a 1,100-bed tertiary hospital. A validated questionnaire assessed expectations and perceptions of pharmacists’ involvement in 18 pharmaceutical care activities across three domains using a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test for pairwise comparisons. The study was conducted from February to October 2024, covering questionnaire development, data collection, and analysis. Results: Pharmacists showed the highest perception scores, while nurses had the lowest despite high expectations. Significant expectation-perception gaps were found across all groups, particularly in ward rounds and therapeutic drug monitoring. Nurses consistently reported high expectations but low perceptions. Physicians showed moderate expectations and perceptions, especially in patient-centered roles. The top expectations focused on medication safety, whereas the lowest perceived roles involved clinical collaboration and problem prevention. These findings highlight the underutilization of pharmacists and the need for stronger interdisciplinary integration. Conclusion: Gaps remain between expectations and perceptions of pharmacist involvement in pharmaceutical care, particularly in collaborative, patient-centered roles. Enhancing interprofessional collaboration, strengthening clinical training, and improving system support are essential to empower pharmacists and align perceptions with their potential contributions to patient outcomes and medication safety.