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Background: Well-designed and well-maintained drug formularies serve as a reliable resource to guide prescribing decisions; they are associated with improved medicine safety and increased efficiency, while also serving as a cost-effective tool to help manage and predict medicine expenditure. Multiple studies have investigated the inappropriate prescribing of non-formulary drugs (NFDs) with statistics indicating that up to 70% of NFD usage being inappropriate or not following the ascribed NFD policies. Aim: To explore physicians' views and influences on their prescribing of non-formulary drugs. Method: Data collection and analysis were underpinned using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted within Hamad Medical Corporation, the main provider of secondary and tertiary healthcare in Qatar, with physicians who had submitted a NFD request in the preceding 12 months. Results: Three overarching themes were identified: providing evidence-based care for individual patients; influences of others; and formulary management issues. Subthemes were mapped to specific TDF domains: environmental context and resources; social influences; professional role and identity; beliefs about consequences; goals; intentions. Conclusion: The behavioral influences identified in this study can be mapped to behavior change strategies facilitating the development of an intervention to promote appropriate prescribing of NFDs with implications for medicine safety and healthcare efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccine hesitancy poses a global challenge and is acknowledged to be a complex, multifactorial phenomenon. Of particular concern is hesitancy among health professionals, as this may also impact their advocacy roles. There is a lack of theory-based investigations of pharmacy professionals. Aim: The study aims to determine the behaviour and associated determinants influencing pharmacy professionals' attitude towards vaccine acceptance and advocacy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 2400 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians at government, semi-government, and private community pharmacies in Qatar. Questionnaire items captured perspectives on COVID vaccine acceptance, advocacy and associated determinants based on the domains and constructs of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics, with TDF items subjected to principal components analysis (PCA). Findings: The response rate was 38.6% (927/2400). Almost all (n = 825, 89.0%) were willing to receive the vaccine, which was higher for males (p < 0.001) and those in polyclinics (p < 0.05). PCA of acceptance items gave five components, with response to 'emotions' being most negative, associated with acceptance (p < 0.001) and more negative in females (p < 0.001). The majority (n = 799, 86.2%) agreed that it was their professional duty to advocate vaccines. PCA for advocacy items gave two components, with the most negative responses for 'professional role and identity', which were more negative for those working in hospitals (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Respondents were least positive regarding emotion-related behavioral determinants for acceptance and professional role and identity for advocacy. Behavior change technique interventions that target these issues have the potential to influence the vaccine hesitancy of pharmacy professionals and other individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study examined healthcare providers' knowledge, attitude, practice, as well as facilitators and barriers to adverse drug reaction reporting in Qatar's largest tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit, WWRC. Method: A cross sectional survey for health care professionals (Physicians, nurses and Pharmacists) was conducted for a period of one year (January to December 2021).The sample size was computed using an online (Raosoft® calculator).The data was coded entered and analysed using SPSS (version 20).The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: The response rate was 53.6% (222/414). The majority of the respondents were females(87.4%) with at least a bachelor's degree (53.6%) and predominantly nurses(81%). While a majority of the participants felt it was their professional duty to report ADRs (96.4%), most of them responded "no" to having reported any ADR in the past (77%) and also said 'no' to having witnessed any ADR in the past 12 months (89.6%). In our study, ADR monitoring and reporting practices were strongly correlated with different strata of HCPs. Compared to physicians and nurses, clinical pharmacists were more likely to report adverse drug reactions (mean SD60.1 ± 7.1) (p= <0.05) in the NICU. No other characteristics, including knowledge, attitude, or facilitators and barriers, were found to have a statistically significant relationship with demographic variables of healthcare providers reporting ADRs in the NICU. The scale investigating determinants linked to ADR reporting has high internal consistency, with Cronbach's Alpha coefficient reported 0.81. Our analysis revealed that knowledge and training, patient safety, professional duty, and social influence had more positive views, while poor feedback post-reporting had more negative views. Key facilitators to reporting were to improve patient safety and feeling of professional liability; however, the main barriers reported were lack of time, poor feedback, and a complex reporting process. Conclusions: According to the current study, clinical pharmacists promote ADR reporting and have better practice characteristics than other HCPs. All HCPs has positive knowledge and attitude toward ADRS reporting. The study found several NICU ADR reporting facilitators and barriers. Poor feedback, time constraints, complex reporting forms, and reporting procedures are primary ADR reporting issues. These findings will help build theoretically informed strategies to improve ADR reporting and patient safety. Given these findings, NICU HCPs need pharmacovigilance education, training, and empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital anomalies (CAs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in early life. We aimed to assess the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of major CAs in the State of Qatar. A population-based retrospective data analysis of registry data retrieved from the Perinatal Neonatal Outcomes Research Study in the Arabian Gulf (PEARL-Peristat Study) between April 2017 and March 2018. The sample included 25,204 newborn records, which were audited between April 2017 and March 2018, of which 25,073 live births were identified and included in the study. Maternal risk factors and neonatal outcomes were assessed for association with specific CAs, including chromosomal/genetic, central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular system (CVS), facial, renal, multiple congenital anomalies (MCAs) using univariate and multivariate analyses. The incidence of any CA among live births was 1.3% (n = 332). The most common CAs were CVS (n = 117; 35%), MCAs (n = 69, 21%), chromosomal/genetic (51; 15%), renal (n = 39; 12%), CNS (n = 20; 6%), facial (14, 4%), and other (GIT, Resp, Urogenital, Skeletal) (n = 22, 7%) anomalies. Multivariable regression analysis showed that multiple pregnancies, parity ≥ 1, maternal BMI, and demographic factors (mother's age and ethnicity, and infant's gender) were associated with various specific CAs. In-hospital mortality rate due to CAs was estimated to be 15.4%. CAs were significantly associated with high rates of caesarean deliveries (aOR 1.51; 95% CI 1.04–2.19), Apgar < 7 at 1 min (aOR 5.44; 95% CI 3.10–9.55), Apgar < 7 at 5 min (aOR 17.26; 95% CI 6.31–47.18), in-hospital mortality (aOR 76.16; 37.96–152.8), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or perinatal death of neonate in labor room (LR)/operation theatre (OT) (aOR 34.03; 95% CI 20.51–56.46), prematurity (aOR 4.17; 95% CI 2.75–6.32), and low birth weight (aOR 5.88; 95% CI 3.92–8.82) before and after adjustment for the significant risk factors. This is the first study to assess the incidence, maternal risk factors, and neonatal outcomes associated with CAs in the state of Qatar. Therefore, a specialized congenital anomaly data registry is needed to identify risk factors and outcomes. In addition, counselling of mothers and their families may help to identify specific needs for pregnant women and their babies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Studies have highlighted advancing clinical pharmacy practice in Qatar. Objective To explore pharmacists' aspirations and readiness to implement pharmacist prescribing. Setting Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the main provider of secondary and tertiary care. Method A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Questionnaire items were derived from the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research (CFIR), in domains of: awareness/support; readiness; implementation; and facilitators and barriers. Following piloting, all pharmacists (n = 554) were invited to participate. Questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with principal component analysis of attitudinal items. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the Framework Approach. Main outcome measure Aspirations and readiness to implement pharmacist prescribing. Results The response rate was 62.8% (n = 348), with respondents highly supportive of implementation in Qatar (median 4, scale 0–5, extremely supportive). The majority (64.9%, n = 226) considered themselves ready, particularly those more senior (p < 0.05) and classifying themselves innovative (p < 0.01). Outpatient (72.9%, n = 221 agreeing) and inpatient (71.1%, n = 218 agreeing) HMC settings were those perceived as being most ready. PCA identified 2 components, with 'personal attributes' being more positive than 'prescribing support'. Facilitators were access to records, organizational/management support and the practice environment, with physician resistance and scope of practice as barriers. Focus groups provided explanation, with themes in CFIR domains of innovation characteristics, characteristics of individuals and the inner setting. Conclusion HMC pharmacists largely aspire, and consider themselves ready, to be prescribers with inpatient and outpatient settings most ready. CFIR domains and constructs identified as facilitators and barriers should be focus for implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Medication errors are a major public health concern that negatively impact patient safety and health outcomes. Effective and efficient medication error reporting systems and practices are imperative in reducing error incidence and severity. Objective The objectives were to quantify the incidence, nature and severity of medication errors, and to explore potential causality using a theoretical framework. Setting The study was conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation, the largest public funded academic healthcare center in the state of Qatar. Methods A retrospective review of medication error reports submitted to the Hamad Medical Corporation incident reporting system during 2015 to 2017. Data related to number of reports, reporter, medication, severity and outcomes were extracted. Reason's Accident Causation Model was used as a theoretical framework for identifying potential causality. Two researchers independently categorized errors as: active failures (e.g. forgetting to administer medication at scheduled time); error provoking conditions (e.g. medication prescribed by an unauthorized physician and administered to the patient); and latent failures (e.g. organizational factors, lack of resources). Main outcome measures Incidence, classes of medications, reporter, error severity and outcomes, potential causality. Results A total of 5103 reports provided sufficient information to be included in the study giving an estimated error incidence of 0.044% of prescribed medication items. Most of the reports (91.5%, n = 4667) were submitted by pharmacists and majority (87.9%, n = 4485) were prescribing errors. The most commonly reported medications were anti-infectives for systemic use (22.0%, n = 1123) followed by medications to treat nervous system disorders (17.2%, n = 876). Only three errors reported to have caused temporary harm requiring intervention while one contributed to or resulted in temporary harm requiring initial or prolonged hospitalization. In terms of potential causality of medication errors, the majority (91.5%, n = 4671) were classified as active failures. Conclusion Almost all reports were submitted by pharmacists, indicating likely under-reporting affecting the actual incidence. Effort is required to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the reporting system. The use of the theoretical framework allowed identification of potential causality, largely in relation to active failures, which can inform the basis of interventions to improve medication safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a paucity of robust, theory-based research investigating vaccination behavior.1 Using Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), the study aimed to explore the key behavioral determinants influencing vaccine behavior among pharmacy professionals in Qatar. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of pharmacy professionals was conducted in April 2021. Survey items included questions related to demographics, vaccination behavior, and behavioral 'determinants' influencing vaccination (Likert statements, TDF items). The draft questionnaire was reviewed for face and content validity with experts and piloted among 80 participants. The sample size was calculated (n ¼ 353) using the Raosoft online calculator. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and Principal component analysis (PCA) of TDF items.2,3 Results: The response rate was 37.40% (1,065/2,400). The majority expressed willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccines. Participants who refused the influenza vaccine in the past were more likely to refuse the COVID-19 vaccines too (x2(1) ¼ 12.6, chi-square; p, 0.001). The mean (SD) overall percentage score of behavioral determinants influencing vaccine acceptance and advocacy were 31.2 ± 19.6 and 36.5 ± 28.2 (on a scale from -100 to 100). Vaccine acceptance was lower among those who refused any vaccines in the past (33.2 ± 18.9 vs 28.7 ± 20.1; p, 0.001) (Table 1). The main barriers to vaccine acceptance were safety, speed of development, and cultural influences. PCA identified 'belief of consequence and emotions (fear and anxiety) as more negative determinant (-1.4 ± 42.1) potentially influencing vaccine acceptance behavior (Table 2). Although most participants considered it as their professional duty to advocate the use of vaccines, they were unsure if patients will accept their recommendations. Conclusion: Most participants expressed an interest to receive the COVID-19 vaccines and considered it as their professional duty to recommend the use of the vaccine. However, they were unsure if patients would accept their advice. Study findings will assist to develop behavior change interventions targeting individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2017, the World Health Organization published "Medication Without Harm, WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge," to reduce patient harm caused by unsafe medication use practices. While the five objectives emphasise the need to create a framework for action, engaging key stakeholders and others, most published research has focused on the perspectives of health professionals. The aim was to explore the views and experiences of decision-makers in Qatar on organisational safety culture, medication errors and error reporting.Method: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare decision-makers (policy-makers, professional leaders and managers, lead educators and trainers) in Qatar. Participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling, continued to the point of data saturation. The interview schedule focused on: error causation and error prevention; engendering a safety culture; and initiatives to encourage error reporting. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and independently analysed by two researchers using the Framework Approach.Results: From the 21 interviews conducted, key themes were the need to: promote trust within the organisation through articulating a fair blame culture; eliminate management, professional and cultural hierarchies; focus on team building, open communication and feedback; promote professional development; and scale-up successful initiatives. There was recognition that the current medication error reporting processes and systems were suboptimal, with suggested enhancements in themes of promoting a fair blame culture and open communication.Conclusion: These positive and negative aspects of organisational culture can inform the development of theory-based interventions to promote patient safety. Central to these will be the further development and sustainment of a "fair" blame culture in Qatar and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a need for theory informed interventions to optimise medication reporting. This study aimed to quantify and explain behavioural determinants relating to error reporting of healthcare professionals in Qatar as a basis of developing interventions to optimise the effectiveness and efficiency of error reporting. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods design comprising a cross-sectional survey followed by focus groups in Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. All doctors, nurses and pharmacists were invited to complete a questionnaire that included items of behavioural determinants derived from the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), an integrative framework of 33 theories of behaviour change. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify components, with total component scores computed. Differences in total scores among demographic groupings were tested using Mann-Whitney U test (2 groups) or Kruskal-Wallis (>2 groups). Respondents expressing interest in focus group participation were sampled purposively, and discussions based on survey findings using the TDF to provide further insight to survey findings. Ethical approval was received from Hamad Medical Corporation, Robert Gordon University, and Qatar University. Results: One thousand, six hundred and four questionnaires were received (67.9% nurses, 13.3% doctors, 12.9% pharmacists). Questionnaire items clustered into six components of: knowledge and skills related to error reporting; feedback and support; action and impact; motivation; effort; and emotions. There were statistically significant higher scores in relation to age (older more positive, p<0.001), experience as a healthcare professional (more experienced most positive apart from those with the highest level of experience, p<0.001), and profession (pharmacists most positive, p<0.05). Fifty-four healthcare professionals from different disciplines participated in the focus groups. Themes mapped to nine of fourteen TDF domains. In terms of emotions, the themes that emerged as barriers to error reporting were: fear and worry on submitting a report; that submitting was likely to lead to further investigation that could impact performance evaluation and career progression; concerns over the impact on working relationships; and the potential lack of confidentiality. Conclusions: This study has quantified and explained key facilitators and barriers of medication error reporting. Barriers appeared to be largely centred on issues relating to emotions and related beliefs of consequences. Quantitative results demonstrated that while these were issues for all healthcare professionals, those younger and less experienced were most concerned. Qualitative findings highlighted particular concerns relating to these emotional aspects. These results can be used to develop theoretically informed interventions with the aims of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the medication reporting systems impacting patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of robust, rigorous mixed methods studies of patient safety culture generally and notably those which incorporate behavioural theories of change. The study aimed to quantify and explain key aspects of patient safety culture which were of most concern to healthcare professionals in Qatar. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods design of a cross-sectional survey followed by focus groups in Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. All doctors, nurses and pharmacists were invited to complete the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPS). Respondents expressing interest in focus group participation were sampled purposively, and discussions based on survey findings using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explain behavioural determinants. Results: One thousand, six hundred and four questionnaires were received (67.9% nurses, 13.3% doctors, 12.9% pharmacists). HSOPS composites with the lowest levels of positive responses were non-punitive response to errors (24.0% positive) and staffing (36.2%). Specific TDF determinants potentially associated with these composites were social/professional role and identity, emotions, and environmental context and resources. Thematic analysis identified issues of doctors relying on pharmacists to correct their errors and being reluctant to alter the prescribing of fellow doctors. There was a lack of recognition of nurses’ roles and frequent policy non-adherence. Stress, workload and lack of staff at key times were perceived to be major contributors to errors. Conclusions: This study has quantified areas of concern relating to patient safety culture in Qatar and suggested important behavioural determinants. Rather than focusing on changing behaviour at the individual practitioner level, action may be required at the organisational strategic level to review policies, structures (including resource allocation and distribution) and processes which aim to promote patient safety culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are major global concern, adversely impacting patient safety and health outcomes. ADRs cause significant morbidity and mortality among hospitalised patients, causing greater length of hospital stay, increased healthcare costs and patient dissatisfaction to the treatments. Pharmacovigilance (PV), a process of detecting, monitoring and preventing drug-related harm, plays a vital role to ensure patient safety. ADR reporting is the cornerstone of PV. PV practices in Qatar are relatively new and are evolving rapidly. The purpose of this article is to explore the medication safety practices (notably ADR reporting) at the largest academic healthcare center in Qatar. The article further provides evidence on how information related to ADRs are generated and interpreted. Furthermore, it describes how a designated center for monitoring medication safety activities was established at the largest healthcare provider in Qatar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are at an increased risk for medication errors. Objective The objective of this study is to describe the nature and setting of medication errors occurring in patients admitted to an NICU in Qatar based on a standard electronic system reported by pharmacists. Setting Neonatal intensive care unit, Doha, Qatar. Method This was a retrospective cross-sectional study on medication errors reported electronically by pharmacists in the NICU between January 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015. Main outcome measure Data collected included patient information, and incident details including error category, medications involved, and follow-up completed. Results A total of 201 NICU pharmacists-reported medication errors were submitted during the study period. All reported errors did not reach the patient and did not cause harm. Of the errors reported, 98.5% occurred in the prescribing phase of the medication process with 58.7% being due to calculation errors. Overall, 53 different medications were documented in error reports with the anti-infective agents being the most frequently cited. The majority of incidents indicated that the primary prescriber was contacted and the error was resolved before reaching the next phase of the medication process. Conclusion Medication errors reported by pharmacists occur most frequently in the prescribing phase of the medication process. Our data suggest that error reporting systems need to be specific to the population involved. Special attention should be paid to frequently used medications in the NICU as these were responsible for the greatest numbers of medication errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is a need to systematically develop research capacity within pharmacy practice. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the principal non-profit health care provider in Qatar. Traditionally, pharmacists in Qatar have limited training related to research and lack direct experience of research processes. Objectives To determine the interests, experience and confidence of hospital pharmacists employed by HMC, Qatar in relation to research, attitudes towards research, and facilitators and barriers. Setting Hospital pharmacy, Qatar. Method A cross-sectional survey of all pharmacists (n = 401). Responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and principal component analysis (PCA). Main outcome measures Interests, experience and confidence in research; attitudes towards research; and facilitators and barriers to participation in research. Results The response rate was 53.1 % (n = 213). High levels of interest were expressed for all aspects of research, with respondents less experienced and less confident. Summary scores for items of interest were significantly higher than experience and confidence ( p < 0.001). PCA identified four components: general attitudes towards research; confidence, motivation and resources; research culture; and support. While respondents were generally positive in response to all items, they were less sure of resources to conduct research, access to training and statistical support. They were also generally unsure of many aspects relating to research culture. Half (50.7 %, n = 108) had either never thought about being involved in research or taken no action. In multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, the significant factors were possessing postgraduate qualifications [odds ratio (OR) 3.48 (95 % CI 1.73-6.99), p < 0.001] and having more positive general attitudes to research [OR 3.24 (95 % CI 1.62-4.67), p = 0.001]. Almost all (89.7 %, n = 172) expressed interest in being involved in research training. Conclusion HMC pharmacists expressed significantly higher levels of interest in research compared to experience and confidence. While general attitudes towards research were positive, there were some barriers relating to support (e.g. administration) and research culture. Positive attitudes towards research and possessing postgraduate qualifications were significant in relation to readiness to participate in research and research training. Findings are of key relevance when considering the aims of research capacity building of encouraging research, improving skills and identifying skills gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the characteristics and clinical outcomes of paracetamol poisoning and paracetamol overdose in Qatar. This retrospective cohort study included patients admitted to the emergency department (ED). We included patients who presented with excessive paracetamol ingestion, between December 2018 and September 2019. The primary outcomes were describing the characteristics and outcomes of paracetamol overdose (from a suicidal overdose or accidental overdose, dose ≤ 150 mg/kg, when serum levels of <60 mmol/L) or dose ingested (≤75 mg/kg) with staggered ingestion poisoning due to suicidal attempt or accidental attempt, defined as the dose ingested (>150 mg/kg), acute ingestion, nomogram level more than the treatment line, or dose ingested (>75 mg/kg) with staggered ingestion, and assessing the management of excessive paracetamol ingestion. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of the time difference between ingestion and time of administration, hospitalization, and adverse drug events. Significant differences were detected between patients who presented with paracetamol overdose and those who presented with paracetamol toxicity. A total of 69 patients were analyzed, of whom 43 received paracetamol overdose (mean age 27.5 ± 11.1 years) and 26 had paracetamol poisoning (mean age 25 ± 6.22 years). Paracetamol poisoning was identified in 26% of the patients with a 24.3% history of psychiatric illness, compared to 18.6% with paracetamol overdose. More patients presented with paracetamol toxicity in the time between ingestion and obtaining serum levels compared to the overdose group. A significantly longer length of hospitalization was observed in the toxicity group. A significantly higher number of patients in the toxicity group received N-acetylcysteine (NAC). More hypotension and rashes were observed among those who received NAC in the toxicity group. Patients presenting to the ED due to paracetamol toxicity are not uncommon, and most cases occur in young adults, and few in patients with a history of psychiatric illness, suggesting that preventive approaches are highly required., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Objectives The objectives of this study were to quantify the prescription of oral methergin tablets in a busy Women's Hospital, assess the stated indications for such prescription and highlight the issues and safety profile of Methergin use especially in the postpartum patient. Methods Review of prescription data for oral Methergin and the corresponding annual figures on primary and secondary postpartum hemorrhage. Results Over a period of 5 years, oral Methergin prescriptions for delayed and secondary postpartum hemorrhage constituted less than 1% of the overall prescription in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, which ranged between 1214 and 2085 per year. The numbers were too few to ascertain any relationship with both types of postpartum hemorrhage. Although stated on the relevant Patient Information leaflet, no local or regional guideline on its use exist. Conclusions Specific and random trend monitoring of medications for continuing safety profile, risk benefit issues, or unapproved indication, may help in identifying, preventing and mitigating any medication safety matters. Clinical pharmacists in collaboration with physicians are well placed in conducting such pharmacovigilance activities to improve medication safety.

Background: Medication use during pregnancy is common. Pharmacists have an important role in improving medication use during pregnancy. There is a lack of empirical evidence on pharmacists' knowledge and practice characteristics towards medication use in pregnancy., Objectives: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and practice characteristics of pharmacists in Qatar about medicines use in pregnancy., Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted over a period of 6 months in 2010. Questionnaires were distributed to 400 of 800 licensed pharmacists employed in Qatar (in government and private sectors). Data were collected on: demographics and practice characteristics of the pharmacists; their knowledge and perception about medication use in pregnancy; their confidence in dealing with pregnant women and physicians; and their source of the drug information., Results: Of the 400 questionnaires distributed, 207 were returned (52% response rate). Most pharmacists (71%) had not participated in any educational activities on medication use in pregnancy. About 50% reported that < 10% of their workload involved dispensing medications to pregnant women. A lack of available resources and unknown pregnancy status were the main concerns about dispensing medication to pregnant women. The majority of the respondents had average knowledge about medication use in pregnancy. There was a significant association between knowledge, and continuing education and years of experience (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Pharmacists in Qatar had an average level of knowledge about medications use in pregnancy. Continuous educational programmes are needed for pharmacists in Qatar to enhance their knowledge and practice of medicine use during pregnancy., (Copyright © World Health Organization (WHO) 2018. Some rights reserved. This work is available under the CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/igo).)