Background:

The scope of pharmaceutical services in Poland remains limited. Despite the legal framework being in place since 2021, the practical application of expanded pharmacists’ competencies has not yet been fully realized in the Polish healthcare system. The role of pharmacists cooperating with PCPs could be even more important in depopulation areas.

Aim of the study:

The aim of the study was analysis of the role of pharmaceutical services in rural areas in Poland.

Methodology:

A national survey was developed to assess attitudes towards increasing pharmacists role in patient care in Poland. The form was administered to pharmacists and primary care physicians. Responses collected between September 2024 and February 2025 were included in the analysis.

Results:

305 pharmacists’ and 118 PCPs’ responses were analysed. Pharmacists were more open and interested in fulfilling more roles in patient care and providing additional pharmaceutical care services. Highest support received identifying unnecessary medications (88,9%), patient education about new medications (85,6%) and identifying medication-related issues such as allergies, dosage, drug interactions, and potential for adverse effects (85,6%). In responses of primary care physicians identifying unnecessary medications (68,8%), training patients in the use of medical devices, e.g. inhaler or glucometer (59,3%) and identifying medication-related issues (55,9%) were the most popular. Pharmacists were also open to contribute to various aspects of patient care – performing vaccinations (58,7%), performing screening tests in a pharmacy (50,5%), and scheduling referrals for preventive examinations (44,6%). Notably, 75,1% of pharmacists supported issuing continuation prescriptions, which could significantly improve medication access in rural areas, though only 29,7% of PCPs agreed.

Conclusions:

The survey results highlight the potential for expanded pharmacist roles to address healthcare gaps in rural areas. Agreement on certain pharmacist roles provides a foundation for interprofessional collaboration between pharmacists and physicians. Extended pharmacist roles, patient education, issuing continuation prescriptions, could significantly improve medication management and access in rural communities.