The roles and perspectives of an informatics pharmacist practicing in the Australian healthcare setting: a qualitative study

Background The implementation of digital healthcare systems in hospitals globally and Australia has led to the introduction informatics pharmacist as a career system. However, pharmacists are not yet part routine clinical services Australia, so their perspective roles well understood. Aim To explore pharmacists' other health professionals' perspectives within interprofessional teams Australian care. Method This study used semi-structured interviews with experts pharmacy and/or informatics. They were recruited using convenience sampling snowballing. audio-recorded transcribed analysed inductive thematic techniques identify major themes. Results process analysis was analyse interview transcriptions 11 participants. Six themes identified: (1) promising future for pharmacists, (2) education, (3) specific skills, (4) scope role, (5) impacts, (6) barriers. Participants described an emerging specialty today's systems. care together skills knowledge required these roles. Conclusion A key role is facilitate appropriate use prevent medication errors improve patients' safety. While international experience shown potential pharmacist, this research shows its infancy.