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

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Board of Pharmacy Specialties certification has emerged internationally as a mechanism to support advancedpharmacy practice and professional differentiation. However, little is known about how BPS-certified pharmacists perceive itsvalue within health care systems with specialist training pathways, such as in Spain. This study aimed to explore the perceivedvalue, 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 practicingin 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 contentanalysis. Reporting followed Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.Results: Eleven hospital pharmacists representing multiple BPS specialties participated. Participants perceived BPS certifica-tion as strengthening clinical competence, improving confidence in pharmacotherapeutic decision-making, and supporting ad-vanced clinical practice. Certification was perceived to enhance professional credibility within interprofessional clinical teamsand 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 frameworkand the Spanish health care context. Participants viewed BPS certification as a complementary credential to the national hospitalpharmacy residency system rather than a substitute for specialist training. Most anticipated demand for credentialing wouldcontinue to increase as hospital pharmacy practice becomes specialized and clinically complex