title: A scoping review of research on the prescribing practice of Canadian pharmacists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pharmacists in Canada have been prescribing since 2007. This review aims to explore the volume, array and nature of research activity on Canadian pharmacist prescribing and to identify gaps in the existing literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a scoping review to examine the literature on prescribing by pharmacists in Canada according to methodological trends, research areas and key findings. We searched for peer-reviewed research articles and abstracts in the Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases without any date limitations. A standardized form was used to extract information.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified 156 articles; of these, 26 articles and 12 abstracts met inclusion criteria. One-half of the research studies (20) used quantitative methods, including surveys, trials and experimental designs; 11 studies used qualitative methods and 7 used other methods. Research on pharmacist prescribing demonstrated an improvement in patient outcomes (13 studies), varied stakeholder perceptions (10 studies) and factors that influence this practice change (11 studies). Pharmacist prescribing was adopted when pharmacists practised patient-centred care. Stakeholders held contrasting perceptions of pharmacist prescribing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Canadian research has demonstrated the benefit of pharmacist prescribing on patient outcomes, which is not present in the international literature. Future research may consider a meta-analysis addressing the impact on patient health. Gaps in research include comparisons between provinces, effects on physicians' services, overall patient safety and access to health care systems and economic implications for society.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A growing body of research on pharmacist prescribing has captured the early impact of prescribing on patient outcomes, perceptions of practice and practice change. Opportunities exist for pan-Canadian research that examines the system impact.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
authors.forename: Chowdhury Farhana
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Faruquee
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Guirguis