A qualitative evaluation of an online training package for the provision of a new pharmacy osteoarthritis service

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Community pharmacies are well-placed to support patients in the management of long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA). In Staffordshire there are approximately 75,000 people with knee OA and 45,000 with hip OA.1 Community pharmacists in the area were invited to be part of an osteoarthritis service pilot scheme. This new service links to an ongoing international project, Joint Implementation of Guidelines for Osteoarthritis in Western Europe (JIGSAW-E,) which supports healthcare professionals to aid patients in self-management of their OA.2 In preparation for delivery of the service, an online training package was distributed to the participating pharmacists to increase their knowledge of the condition. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the osteoarthritis training package and to establish improvements which could be implemented if the service is rolled out. Methods All pharmacists who had completed the training package were identified by the Local Pharmaceutical Committee Chief Operating Officer. An email was sent detailing the evaluation with an invitation to be interviewed. Those interested responded with proposed dates and times. An interview guide was developed based on the study aims and objectives and knowledge of the training package. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted and digitally recorded with verbal consent. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically by applying the Framework Approach.3 As this was a service evaluation, no ethical approval was required. Results Twelve pharmacists were invited to be interviewed and six agreed. Three participants were female, three worked for a multiple pharmacy chain, two in independent pharmacies and one in a distance-selling pharmacy. Five themes emerged from the data, namely, baseline knowledge, format of the training package, appropriateness of the content, views on the specific resources and provision of the service. Most pharmacists reported having limited prior knowledge of OA although they were aware of pharmacological treatment options. The online training format was seen as convenient, although some would have liked a face-to-face element so that they could interact and learn from others. Time spent on the training package ranged from less than one hour up to five, with most mentioning a lack of time during the working day to review it. Regarding content, the materials were generally considered relevant and at an appropriate level. Some felt the detail provided was adequate, whilst others wanted to do further research themselves. Views on the included resources were generally positive. Participants liked that the JIGSAW videos were of short duration and easy to understand, and downloadable resources from Keele University, NICE guidelines and charity websites were highlighted as particularly useful. All pharmacists stated that they felt they had enough knowledge to begin providing the service and planned to (or already had) encouraged staff to complete relevant parts of the training too. Discussion/Conclusion Although this was a small study in a single geographical area there was representation across pharmacy types. The study found that the online OA training package was generally well-received but a face-to-face element would be desirable. Further research would be useful to gauge its impact on service delivery.