Primary Care Teams and Pharmacist Staffing Ratios: Is There a Magic Number?

Abstract

Primary care physician (PCP) shortages are predicted for 2025, and many workforce models have recommended the expanded integration of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. However, there has been little consideration of incorporating clinical pharmacists on primary care teams to address the growing number of patient visits that involve medication optimization and management. This article summarizes various estimates of pharmacist staffing ratios based on number of PCPs, patient panel size, or annual patient encounters. Finally, some steps are offered to address the practice- and policy-based implications of expanding primary care pharmacist activities at the local and state levels.