Pharmacists’ perceptions of the pharmacists’ patient care process and performance in a simulated patient interaction

Abstract

ObjectivesTo (1) evaluate the use of the pharmacists’ patient care process (PPCP) by licensed pharmacists through a simulated patient activity and (2) describe pharmacists’ awareness and perceptions of the PPCP in the state of Arizona. DesignInterviews were conducted to elicit pharmacists’ perceptions and awareness of the PPCP. A simulated patient activity involved a role-play pharmacist-patient interaction in a community pharmacy setting. The PPCP was employed as the evaluative framework to assess pharmacist behavior. Setting and participantsPharmacists licensed in the state of Arizona practicing in various pharmacy settings were recruited through e-mail list serves and snowball recruitment. Data were collected in person, by telephone, and via video chat. Outcome measuresEmergent qualitative themes from interviews were used to describe pharmacists’ awareness and perceptions of the PPCP. The presence or absence of PPCP elements were assessed during the simulations. ResultsA total of 17 pharmacists were interviewed; 16 participated in the simulated activity. Of these, 7 (41.2%) participants recalled specific details regarding the PPCP process. Participants felt that the PPCP accurately reflected their daily workflow. Accordingly, a mean of 15.8 of the 19 PPCP elements was observed in simulated pharmacist-patient interactions, still allowing room for improvement in pharmacist-led care planning. Participants indicated perceived value in a shared patient care process that facilitates collaboration with myriad health professionals and as an aid to leverage pharmacists’ role on health care teams. ConclusionIn this study, pharmacists practicing in Arizona in various settings expressed an awareness of the PPCP, felt it accurately reflected the work they do, and expressed that the tool potentially added value to their work.