Doctors and nurses have long been hailed as those with all the knowledge and answers related to healthcare. Now, however, pharmacists are finding themselves being increasingly mixed into the equation.

An international survey reveals that pharmacists are frequently being questioned by patients about ways to improve their health. Many pharmacists reportedly feel that are expected to give advice more now than ever before. Nearly three-quarters of pharmacists report providing health management services, according to the survey.

International Pharmaceutical Federation CEO Ton Hoek says most pharmacists enjoy their expanded role of being more than just a person who a customer hands over their individual health insurance card to.

"Pharmacists' roles are changing, and we find ourselves increasingly working with patients and other healthcare professionals to prevent and treat disease," said Hoek. "This survey shows that pharmacists welcome this expanded role, as it highlights what they like doing most - helping deliver better patient outcomes - while increasing visibility of pharmacists' expertise."

It's important to patients to realize that while pharmacists are knowledgeable professionals, they are not trained physicians. There are certain situations in which only a doctor should be consulted.