A theory-informed approach to mental health care capacity building for pharmacists.

Andrea L Murphy,Stan P Kutcher,Ruth Martin-Misener,David M Gardner

doi:10.1186/1752-4458-8-46

Abstract

BackgroundPharmacists are knowledgeable, accessible health care professionals who can provide services that improve outcomes in mental health care. Various challenges and opportunities can exist in pharmacy practice to hinder or support pharmacists’ efforts. We used a theory-informed approach to development and implementation of a capacity-building program to enhance pharmacists’ roles in mental health care.MethodsTheories and frameworks including the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, the Theoretical Domains Framework, and the Behaviour Change Wheel were used to inform the conceptualization, development, and implementation of a capacity-building program to enhance pharmacists’ roles in mental health care.ResultsThe More Than Meds program was developed and implemented through an iterative process. The main program components included: an education and training day; use of a train-the-trainer approach from partnerships with pharmacists and people with lived experience of mental illness; development of a community of practice through email communications, a website, and a newsletter; and use of educational outreach delivered by pharmacists. Theories and frameworks used throughout the program’s development and implementation facilitated a means to conceptualize the component parts of the program as well as its overall presence as a whole from inception through evolution in implementation. Using theoretical foundations for the program enabled critical consideration and understanding of issues related to trialability and adaptability of the program.ConclusionsTheory was essential to the underlying development and implementation of a capacity-building program for enhancing services by pharmacists for people with lived experience of mental illness. Lessons learned from the development and implementation of this program are informing current research and evolution of the program.

Highlights

People with lived experience of mental illness have inequalities and inequities in mental health care service access, delivery, and outcomes
Following the C - capability (COM-B) assessment in step 3 (Table 1), we considered a range of intervention functions using the Behaviour Change Wheel for designing our intervention (Figure 3) [12]
We reviewed the 40 behaviour change techniques developed by Michie et al [15,17] and selected those deemed feasible, affordable, practical, and suitable to fit within our determined intervention functions

Summary

Introduction

People with lived experience of mental illness have inequalities and inequities in mental health care service access, delivery, and outcomes. A common strategy proposed for improving service access, delivery, and health outcomes includes utilizing the full complement and skills set of various health care professionals in the care of patients in community settings. This approach is included in mental health strategies and other strategic guidance. Through our program of research, we have been examining new ways in which pharmacists can support the bridging of gaps in the health system to Pharmacists are traditionally viewed as the medication therapy experts They have been recognized for their knowledge and skills in assuming advanced roles and scopes of practice in community and specialized clinical areas as well as in public healthrelated initiatives. We used a theory-informed approach to development and implementation of a capacity-building program to enhance pharmacists’ roles in mental health care

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Conclusion