title: A qualitative study exploring physicians' perceptions on the role of community pharmacists in Dubai.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of physicians operating within the boundaries of Dubai on the role of community pharmacists.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews were done with 12 physicians working within the boundaries of Dubai Health Authority. Interviews mainly focused on understanding the perceptions of physicians on the role of community pharmacists in addition to willingness to integrating pharmacists in patient care process.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Key findings show that all interviewees agree that community pharmacists are important healthcare professionals. However, 7 physicians restrict the role of pharmacists to dispensing medicines. Physicians in Dubai are willing to collaborate with pharmacists, but more than half of them (7) think that pharmacists might interfere with their jobs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study concludes that all informants agree that collaboration between community pharmacists and physicians definitely enhances patients' drug therapy outcomes.
authors: Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University of Science and Technology . Ajman ( United Arab Emirates ). dr.ibrahimrayes@gmail.com.
authors: Ibrahim K
authors: 0000-0001-6663-8830
authors: IK
authors: Rayes
authors: Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaco-therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah . Sharjah ( United Arab Emirates ). karem1961@hotmail.com.
authors: Abduelmula R
authors: 0000-0003-4481-7779
authors: AR
authors: Abduelkarem
keywords: Attitude of Health Personnel; Attitudes; Community Pharmacy Services; Health Knowledge; Pharmacies; Pharmacists; Physicians; Practice; Qualitative Research; United Arab Emirates