Measurement of patient awareness of the critical role played by clinical pharmacists in saudi arabia's healthcare

Abstract

Anas Ali Alhur, Rana Alshahrani, Abdulrahman Almuntashiri, Safiah Asiri, Nouf Alotaibi, Shahad Althabtah, Ebtesam Almansour, Sara Assiri, Razan Alharbi, Laila Alameer, Rawabi Alamer, Seba Ali, Safiah Saad, Ziyad Asiri

Background: Clinical pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare by ensuring safe and effective medication management, improving adherence, minimizing drug-related errors, and providing patient education. Despite their importance, public awareness of clinical pharmacists' contributions in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study assesses patient awareness of clinical pharmacists’ roles, identifies factors influencing awareness, and provides recommendations for improvement. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured online questionnaire distributed to 936 participants across Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire covered demographics, knowledge, awareness, trust, and willingness to learn about clinical pharmacists. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results: The majority of participants (88.4%) were aware of clinical pharmacists, with higher awareness among females (93%) than males (82.5%). Awareness varied significantly by age and education level (p<0.01). Trust in clinical pharmacists’ advice increased with higher education levels. Most participants expressed willingness to learn more about clinical pharmacists, particularly those with chronic health conditions. Logistic regression identified gender and education as significant predictors of awareness, while trust was the strongest predictor of willingness to learn. Conclusion: Although awareness of clinical pharmacists in Saudi Arabia is relatively high, knowledge gaps regarding their specific roles persist. Educational campaigns emphasizing role clarity, trust-building, and pharmacist-led public health initiatives are recommended to enhance public engagement and optimize healthcare outcomes. Future research should explore the long-term effects of targeted educational interventions on patient perceptions and behaviors.