Community Pharmacist Preferences in Transition of Care Communications

Abstract

Objective: To determine community pharmacist preferences in transition of care (TOC) communications. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were gathered via electronic survey of community pharmacists regarding their preferences for TOC communications. The survey was distributed via email by the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Survey responses were received from 343 community pharmacists (response rate = 6.1%). Responders most commonly worked in an independent, single store (29.2%, n = 100) or national chain (29.2%, n = 100) pharmacy setting. Preferred method for a TOC communication was via electronic health record (63.0%, n = 184). Preferred TOC communication content are mentioned as follows: active (93.2%, n = 274) and discontinued (86.4%, n = 254) medications and reason for hospitalization (85.0%, n = 250). The top 3 self-identified barriers to utilizing a TOC communication: lack of care coordination with community pharmacy (35.0%, n = 14), lack of support from other health-care providers (22.5%, n = 9), and absence of compensation for providing the service (17.5%, n = 7). When asked if TOC communications were available, 97.5% (n = 278) indicated it would be useful. Conclusion: Community pharmacists acknowledged a need for TOC communications and shared their preferences in the content and method of communication. Future research is warranted to implement TOC communications between a health system and community pharmacy.