Assessing the impact of a leadership development programme on self-reported confidence of Community Pharmacy Neighbourhood Leads in South East London

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Community Pharmacy (CP) integration is a key NHS England strategy, including for South East London (SEL) Integrated Care Board (ICB). To drive forward this strategy in SEL, the ICB medicines team created and funded community pharmacy neighbourhood lead (CPNL) roles. The CPNLs provide local leadership to strengthen CP-GP relationships and increase uptake of CP services (now badged Pharmacy First). To support implementation, a leadership programme was developed with system partners and delivered by Kaleidoscope,1 building on previous work.2 Core themes were building trust, driving collaboration and embedding innovation. Aim To measure the confidence level of CPNLs in SEL throughout the development programme, and associated outcomes. Methods There were five leadership sessions delivered to invited CPNLs and ICB colleagues between November 2023 and March 2024. The first and last sessions were face-to-face with the others virtual. Sessions covered both theory and implementation. At the end of each session all participants were asked to complete an online Microsoft forms survey compiled by Kaleidoscope, asking about their confidence in the CPNL role (where 1 is not at all confident and 5 is extremely confident), current relationships locally and actions planned and completed to date, using tick box, Likert scale and free text responses. Data was analysed in Microsoft Excel and through content analysis, with analysis completed for all attendees per session and separately for those attending 4 or 5 sessions. This study received ethics approval from Kingston University Ethics Committee (3396). Results A total of 37 individuals attended one or more sessions, with 16 attending 4 or 5 sessions. For all attendees, mean confidence score increased from 3.7 in session one to 4.14 in session five (out of 5) (session two:3.77; session three:4.05; session 4:4.17). Those who attended four or five sessions finished with a mean confidence score of 4.33, starting at 4.00 (session two:3.86; session three:4.19; session four:4.27). Comments showed participants initially reporting that there was room to improve relationships with key stakeholders, such as clinical directors, GPs, ICB and CP colleagues. By session five confidence had increased with comments noting that there was confidence to meet new people, network appropriately, and fulfil the required role. ‘Through the network we have created through this programme, confidence has grown with shared learning and new relationships.’ Comments were also received relating to improved joint working supporting the rollout of community pharmacy initiatives such as the Pharmacy First scheme. ‘Our confidence has grown, and we are arranging training sessions with the clinical directors with the local surgeries for some of the newer services like Pharmacy First.’ Discussion / Conclusion Our programme has increased CPNL confidence and engagement with local stakeholders, with greater confidence seen in those engaging most with the leadership programme. Limitations include not having consistent attendance at sessions. The launch of the national ‘Pharmacy First’ service halfway through the programme had a significant impact on the community pharmacy sector,3 with CPNLs being pivotal in building success in partnership. Further evaluation should assess impact of CPNLs on community pharmacy service provision and referrals by GPs.