Pharmacist Prescribing Matches or Beats Usual Care Across Settings

This systematic review consolidates 39 studies to show that pharmacist prescribing produces effectiveness and safety outcomes equivalent to or better than physician prescribing across diverse chronic disease settings, though the underlying evidence is of low to very low certainty.

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Background Information

Pharmacists prescribing may enhance care efficiency and outcomes.

Pharmacist prescribing can expand healthcare access and streamline care, crucial as healthcare demands increase. Out of 153 outcomes, 46 showed improved results with pharmacist prescribing, while 74 showed no difference in effectiveness and safety compared to non-pharmacist prescribing. The evidence suggests pharmacist prescribing is as effective and safe as traditional models, but the low evidence certainty limits broad implementation recommendations. Pharmacist prescribing shows promise in enhancing healthcare outcomes and access.

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Authors: Teahan Á, Sharp M, Farragher A, Strawbridge J, Long J

Citation: Teahan Á, Sharp M, Farragher A, et al. Effectiveness and safety of pharmacist prescribing: a systematic review. BMJ open. 2026;16(6):e112886. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2025-112886

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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Executive Summary

Study Design

Patient Population

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile

Pharmacist Implications

Clinical Pearls

Limitations

Controversies & Evidence Gaps

Cost & Logistics

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