Evaluation of a new health centre pharmacy: a case study

Abstract

Abstract Background This case study describes the evaluation of a primary care intervention in the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, arising from the decision to move a medical practice from its town location into a new health centre in a nearby village. The new centre incorporated a new community pharmacy within the practice. Aim To determine stakeholders' views on whether there was any perceived benefit resulting from the location of a pharmacy within the new health centre, over and above that of supply. Method The evaluation explored both process and outcome features by means of self-completion questionnaires with patients and semi-structured interviews with health centre staff. The first phase of the study was undertaken prior to the medical practice move into the new health centre in July, 1996, and the second phase 12 months after the move. An interim report was used to influence change by making recommendations to the health authority to provide support and resources for the new pharmacist. Key findings Prior to the move: three-quarters of medical practice patients surveyed expected to use the new pharmacy, and 55 per cent expected to receive a better service. The health centre staff and pharmacist were enthusiastic about the potential for service development in the pharmacy. The general practitioners (GPs) had the clearest ideas about possible additional services but there was no implementation strategy. Based on these findings, the evaluators made specific recommendations on action to be taken by the health authority. After the move: 88 per cent of patients surveyed had used the pharmacy and considered that the service was better. The perception was based on matters of convenience. Health centre staff and GPs considered that the pharmacy was providing services beyond supply and had raised awareness of prescribing issues. Conclusion A pharmacy located within a health centre can, given appropriate support, enhance the pharmacist's contribution to primary health care over and above supply, and provide a mechanism for developing pharmaceutical support for the prescribing function. Evaluation can help to provide insight into ways of ensuring a more satisfactory outcome following organisational change.