Perceived Value of Board of Pharmacy Specialties Certification Among Hospital Pharmacists in Spain: A Qualitative Interview Study

Abstract

Background

Board of Pharmacy Specialties certification has emerged internationally as a mechanism to support advanced pharmacy practice and professional differentiation. However, little is known about how BPS-certified pharmacists perceive its value within health care systems with specialist training pathways, such as in Spain. This study aimed to explore the perceived value, professional impact, and implementation barriers of BPS certification among hospital pharmacists in Spain.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study used semi-structured interviews with BPS-certified hospital pharmacists practicing in Spain. Participants were purposively recruited to ensure diversity in certification specialty, geographical region, and profile. Interviews were conducted between April and June 2026, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Reporting followed Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Results

Eleven hospital pharmacists representing multiple BPS specialties participated. Participants perceived BPS certification as strengthening clinical competence, improving confidence in pharmacotherapeutic decision-making, and supporting advanced clinical practice. Certification was perceived to enhance professional credibility within interprofessional clinical teams and among pharmacist colleagues. However, participants described limited institutional recognition, with little impact on salary, career progression, employment systems, or protected professional development time. Major barriers included time investment, economic costs, recertification requirements, and partial mismatch between the United States–oriented examination framework and the Spanish health care context. Participants viewed BPS certification as a complementary credential to the national hospital pharmacy residency system rather than a substitute for specialist training. Most anticipated demand for credentialing would continue to increase as hospital pharmacy practice becomes specialized and clinically complex.

Conclusions

BPS certification is perceived as a valuable mechanism supporting advanced clinical competence, professional differentiation, and integration into interprofessional practice. Nevertheless, broader implementation remains limited by insufficient institutional recognition and structural support. Greater alignment between international credentialing systems and national professional development frameworks may facilitate integration of pharmacy practice credentials within the Spanish health care system.