Community Pharmacy Teams Research Articles

PHARM-LC: What role can Community Pharmacy play in supporting people with long Covid? Protocol for a mixed methods study

Background Long Covid is a debilitating multifaceted condition, that is more prevalent in those from deprived areas, females and those with another disorder or disability. Those that live with Long Covid currently must endure a lack of services, support and have also reported being ‘gaslit’ by health care professionals. Primary care services such as GP surgeries are under immense pressure and have limited resources to offer those that live with Long Covid. Community pharmacy could be a localised solution for those that need support and advice for Long Covid as they have already proven to be a reliable source during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to address gaps in research to explore the possible role that community pharmacy teams can play in supporting those living with Long Covid. Protocol A two-phase multi-method study using semi-structured interviews and co-design will be utilised. For phase one: two population groups; those with lived experience of Long Covid and community pharmacy team members will be interviewed to understand their current experiences of community pharmacy supporting those living with Long covid, as well as lived experiences and self-management (people with Long Covid), and training needs, and current practice (Community pharmacy teams). For phase two: a co-design approach will be utilised with key stakeholders to help inform online training via multiple workshops. This training will be then piloted by end users, who will provide post training feedback via a survey. Discussion Understanding the role that community pharmacy can play in supporting those with Long Covid and to facilitate development of this new support pathway to develop online training which provides pharmacy teams with a structured and cohesive approach to care.

An Evaluation of Oral Anticoagulant Safety Indicators by England's Community Pharmacies.

Anticoagulants are life-saving medicines that can prevent strokes for patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) as well as treating patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), but when used incorrectly, they are frequently associated with patient harm. To evaluate the impact of community pharmacy teams on optimising patient knowledge and awareness and improving medication safety from the use of anticoagulants. Two national audits, consisting of 17 questions assessing and improving patients' understanding of anticoagulant therapy, identifying high-risk patients, and contacting prescribers when clinically appropriate were incentivised for England's community pharmacies in 2021-2022 and 2023-2024 using the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) commissioned by NHS England. Approximately 11,000 community pharmacies audited just under a quarter of a million patients in total, whilst making almost 150,000 interventions for patients taking oral anticoagulants, i.e., identifying and addressing medication issues which could increase the risk of bleeding/harm. Out of the 111,195 patients audited in 2021-2022, only 24,545 (23%) patients were prescribed vitamin K antagonists. The remaining patients were prescribed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). By 2023-2024, this decreased to 17,043 (16%) patients. Most patients knew that they were prescribed an anticoagulant (95.6%, 106,255 in 2021-2022 and 96.5%, 101,006 in 2023-2024, p < 0.001). The audits resulted in a statistically significant increase in patients with a standard yellow anticoagulant alert card, as identified in audit 2 (73,901 66.5% in 2021-2022 to 76,735, 73.3% in 2023-2024, p < 0.001). Furthermore, fewer patients were prescribed concurrent antiplatelets with an anticoagulant (6021; 4.6% in 2021-2022 to 4975; 4% in 2023-2024, p < 0.001). Although there was an increase in the number of patients prescribed NSAIDs with anticoagulants, more of these patients were also prescribed gastroprotection concurrently (927 77.2% in 2021-2022 to 1457 84.1% in 2023-2024, p < 0.05). The majority of patients on warfarin had their blood checked within 12 weeks. Further there was an increase for these patients in the percentage of people prescribed VKAs who knew dietary changes can affect their anticoagulant medicine (16,764 67.4% in 2021-2022 to 12,594 73.9% in 2023-2024 p < 0.001). Community pharmacy teams are well placed in educating and counselling patients on the safe use of anticoagulants and ensuring that all patients are correctly monitored.

A mixed-methods cross-sectional study to evaluate the public acceptability of a novel pharmacy-based response service for domestic abuse and/or suicidal ideation

BackgroundDomestic abuse (DA) and suicidal ideation (SI) are prevalent and often co-occur. Numerous practical and psychosocial barriers inhibit help-seeking, including accessibility and confidentiality concerns. Early intervention and referral are essential for both DA and SI. Pharmacies are accessible and may be perceived as a discreet venue for a DA and SI response service. There is a growing body of literature about the role of community pharmacy teams in suicide prevention and assisting domestic abuse victims globally. Whilst there have been some interventions in UK pharmacies to support domestic abuse victims and encouragement of staff training in suicide prevention, there is currently no commissioned service for DA and/or SI in pharmacies in the UK. ObjectiveTo assess public acceptability of a novel response service in community pharmacy for people in danger from domestic abuse and/or suicidal ideation. MethodsData collection consisted of an online public survey running for 6 weeks and qualitative interviews with pharmacy customers. Descriptive statistics were used to present the survey results and interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and then analysed using the Framework Analysis method and NVivo 11. ResultsThe majority of 501 survey respondents and all 12 customer interview participants were supportive of offering a response service for DA and/or SI in community pharmacy. Participants emphasised the need for appropriate staff training and support. They considered it an ethical and accessible approach and the majority said that they would recommend such a service to family or friends, and use it themselves if needed. However, awareness of the service was low and marketing materials were considered insufficiently clear. ConclusionsThere is strong public support and acceptability for a response service covering both suicidal ideation and domestic abuse in community pharmacies. Further research is required to develop appropriate marketing materials.

Expanding public health initiatives through community pharmacies and student pharmacists: A programmatic case study

BackgroundCommunity pharmacies are critical to the public health infrastructure in the United States and provide reliable information for public health concerns. Public health agencies curate educational materials that community pharmacy teams can disseminate. Student pharmacists participate in experiential learning at community pharmacies which could be utilized for dissemination of these resources. ObjectivesThe objectives of this project were to (1) design a model for dissemination of public health information at community pharmacies; and (2) evaluate both the dissemination model’s reach within communities and student pharmacist learnings from engagement in the model. MethodsWe engaged student pharmacists in a model to disseminate information at community pharmacies for 2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiatives about Opioid Use Disorder Anti-Stigma and Antibiotic Stewardship Education. The number of pharmacies and student pharmacists who participated from 2021 from 2023 was retrospectively reviewed to demonstrate programmatic reach. A retrospective text mining of student assignments was conducted to evaluate student experiences. Descriptive statistics were used to report quantitative data. An inductive, rapid content analysis was completed for qualitative data. ResultsAcross 3 years, 333 student pharmacists participated. Students reached 121 community pharmacies, 139 practicing pharmacist preceptors, and over 2000 patients with education and resources. Eleven student learning points emerged from the qualitative analysis. These included learnings around opioid use disorder and antibiotic stewardship. Students also acknowledged that there are public health needs present in communities and that community pharmacy teams are well-positioned to address these needs. ConclusionEngaging student pharmacists to distribute curated information from public health authorities, both to pharmacist preceptors and patients at community pharmacies, is one way to educate future pharmacists, pharmacy teams, and communities on public health priorities. Pharmacies can serve as key venues in communities for dissemination of reliable public health information.

Exploring the potential extended role of community pharmacy in the management of osteoarthritis: A multi-methods study with pharmacy staff and other healthcare professionals.

Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of chronic joint pain, which patients often self-manage before seeking healthcare advice. Patients frequently seek advice from community pharmacies, and a recent policy has recommended integrating community pharmacies into long-term condition pathways. This study explored community pharmacy teams' (CPs) and other healthcare professionals' (HCPs) views on community pharmacies providing an extended role for osteoarthritis management, identifying potential barriers and facilitators to this. A multi-methods study comprising surveys of CPs and other HCPs, followed by qualitative interviews. Descriptive statistics were used in an exploratory analysis of the survey data. Qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and the identified barriers and facilitators were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework. CPs and other HCPs in the surveys and interviews reported that an extended role for osteoarthritis management could include: a subjective assessment, explaining the joint problem and its treatment, medication management and support for self-care. There was less consensus on diagnosing the problem as OA and completing an objective assessment. A key facilitator was training to deliver the role, whilst barriers were high workload and lack of access to General Practitioner medical records. Acceptable elements of an extended community pharmacy role for osteoarthritis centre around the provision of information, advice on medication and supported self-management. CPs are well placed to contribute towards evidenced-based osteoarthritis management. Feasibility testing of delivering the extended role is needed and future implementation requires training for CPs and raising public awareness of the extended role.

Co-development and testing of an extended community pharmacy model of service delivery for managing osteoarthritis: protocol for a sequential, multi-methods study (PharmOA)

BackgroundOsteoarthritis is a common, painful and disabling long-term condition. Delivery of high-quality guideline-informed osteoarthritis care that successfully promotes and maintains supported self-management is imperative. However, osteoarthritis care remains inconsistent, including under use of core non-pharmacological approaches of education, exercise and weight loss.Community pharmacies are an accessible healthcare provider. United Kingdom government initiatives are promoting their involvement in a range of long-term conditions, including musculoskeletal conditions. It is not known what an enhanced community pharmacy role for osteoarthritis care should include, what support is needed to deliver such a role, and whether it would be feasible and acceptable to community pharmacy teams. In this (PharmOA) study, we aim to address these gaps, and co-design and test an evidence-based extended community pharmacy model of service delivery for managing osteoarthritis.MethodsInformed by the Theoretical Domains Framework, Normalisation Process Theory, and the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for developing complex interventions, we will undertake a multi-methods study involving five phases:1. Systematic review to summarise currently available evidence on community pharmacy roles in supporting adults with osteoarthritis and other chronic (non-cancer) pain.2. Cross-sectional surveys and one-to-one qualitative interviews with patients, healthcare professionals and pharmacy staff to explore experiences of current, and potential extended community pharmacy roles, in delivering osteoarthritis care.3. Stakeholder co-design to: a) agree on the extended role of community pharmacies in osteoarthritis care; b) develop a model of osteoarthritis care within which the extended roles could be delivered (PharmOA model of service delivery); and c) refine existing tools to support community pharmacies to deliver extended osteoarthritis care roles (PharmOA tools).4. Feasibility study to explore the acceptability and feasibility of the PharmOA model of service delivery and PharmOA tools to community pharmacy teams.5. Final stakeholder workshop to: a) finalise the PharmOA model of service delivery and PharmOA tools, and b) if applicable, prioritise recommendations for its wider future implementation.DiscussionThis novel study paves the way to improving access to and availability of high-quality guideline-informed, consistent care for people with osteoarthritis from within community pharmacies.

Preparing community pharmacy teams for health information exchange (HIE)

BackgroundHealth information exchanges (HIEs) facilitate health care professionals’ electronic sharing of patient information across different organizations. When community pharmacists have access to HIE, they can further contribute to improved patient outcomes. However, several implementation challenges are noted, which impede sustained pharmacist access to HIE. To our knowledge, no bidirectional HIE interface design and pharmacy team-informed implementation process has been documented. In response, our research team designed and developed an HIE interface prototype for use specifically by community pharmacy teams to access local HIE data through their pharmacy dispensing software. ObjectivesTo 1) identify barriers, facilitators, and recommendations for using HIE data in community pharmacies and 2) create a curated list of resources addressing identified implementation needs to aid future implementation of a fully functional, bidirectional HIE interface by community pharmacy teams. MethodsPharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and patients from three pharmacy sites within the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network of Indiana participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Interview questions were mapped to select constructs across all domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Interview transcripts were deductively coded. A subset of participants participated in Evidence-Based Quality Improvement sessions to iteratively update planned resource items needed to support future HIE implementation. ResultsWe interviewed 23 total participants: 8 pharmacists, 8 pharmacy technicians, and 7 patients. Five facilitators, four barriers, and two recommendations were identified. These were further characterized into four key implementation needs: instruction on how to use HIE; guidance on workflow and team roles; resources that are patient-facing; and resources that are provider-facing, resulting in 16 planned implementation resources. ConclusionOur study provides the first-of-its-kind list of pharmacy team-informed resources to facilitate sustainability and scalability of HIE implementation in community pharmacies.

Development of a maturity matrix to assess organizational readiness of community pharmacies for implementation of guideline recommendations in diabetes care.

Pharmaceutical care for people with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) has been described in professional guidelines. To apply their recommendations, organizational changes are needed. We aimed to describe, for the first time, the development of a maturity matrix for community pharmacy teams (MM-CP) to assess organizational readiness in implementing the guideline recommendations on pharmaceutical DMT2 care. MM-CP development was conducted in a systematic consensus process with pharmacists from existing working groups. In three meetings with preparatory assignments, mutually exclusive domains were chosen for the DMT2 guideline implementation. After determining the growth steps, the resulting matrix cells were filled with examples of the organizational implementation activities. To explore the generalizability of domains and growth steps, two other working groups for "medication surveillance" and "multidose drug dispensing" guidelines were consulted. A five-by-five matrix was developed using the domains "personalized care," "teamwork," "information systems and data exchange," "external collaboration," and "education and research" on the horizontal axis, and the growth steps "being aware and motivated," "being able to," "performing, evaluating and improving," and "innovating" on the vertical axis. The MM-CP cells were filled with examples to implement the core recommendations of the DMT2 guideline. The matrix is to be used by pharmacy teams as a formative instrument. The MM-CP is ready for use by community pharmacy teams for self-assessing their organizational readiness. However, further research is required to evaluate its potential in stimulating targeted improvement during the implementation of the DMT2-guideline recommendations in community pharmacies.

Providing care to marginalised communities: a qualitative study of community pharmacy teams.

Health inequalities in the UK are widening, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Community pharmacies are the most visited healthcare provider in England and are ideally placed to provide and facilitate access to care for those most disadvantaged. To explore the experiences and needs of community pharmacy teams in providing care for marginalised groups and how this has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study in community pharmacy and across primary care. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with members of community pharmacy teams, primary care network (PCN) pharmacists, GPs, and nurses in the North of England. In total, 31 individuals participated in an interview (26 pharmacy staff, three GPs, and two nurses). Most participants acknowledged that their pharmacy had become busier since COVID-19 because of increased footfall compounded by patient difficulties in navigating remote digital systems. Few participants had received any formal training on working with marginalised communities; however, organisational barriers (such as lack of access to translation facilities) combined with interorganisational barriers (such as lack of integrated care) made it more difficult to provide care for some marginalised groups. Despite this, the continuity of care provided by many pharmacies was viewed as an important factor in enabling marginalised groups to access and receive care. There are opportunities to better utilise the skills of community pharmacy teams. Resources, such as access to translation services, and interventions to enable better communication between community pharmacy teams and other primary care services, such as general practice, are essential.

Developing consensus on the principles and key actions for collaborative working between general practices and community pharmacies: a modified eDelphi study

ObjectivesTo develop consensus on the principles and key actions for collaborative working in practice between general practice, community pharmacy and patients and their carers.DesignThree-round modified eDelphi study, starting from an...

Responding to Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms in England's Community Pharmacies.

Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are self-limiting and frequently present in primary care; it is common for patients to seek symptom relief. The TARGET Treating Your Infection (TYI) leaflet was used to respond to UTI symptoms for women under 65 years presenting in community pharmacies. The widespread use of these leaflets was incentivised as part of NHS England's Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2022-23, between October 2022 and March 2023. The TARGET TYI leaflets are aimed to support appropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) as well as reducing the opportunity for resistance to develop. A total of 8363 community pharmacies completed the AMS criteria within the PQS and collectively submitted data for 104,142 patients presenting with UTI symptoms. The majority, 77% (75,071), of (non-pregnant) women presented with none or only one of the three strongly predictive symptoms of dysuria, new nocturia, cloudy urine, and/or vaginal discharge and, therefore, were less likely to have a UTI, as outlined in the English UTI diagnostic guidance. Conversely, 23% (22,381) of women presented with two or more symptoms of dysuria, new nocturia, cloudy urine, and with no vaginal discharge and, therefore, they were more likely to have a UTI. The TARGET TYI UTI leaflets support community pharmacy teams to differentiate between symptoms more likely to be associated with UTIs and those that could be managed with self-care. The findings suggest that most women presenting to community pharmacies with urinary symptoms were likely to have self-limiting symptoms, and could be suitably managed with self-care, pain relief, and appropriate safety netting. Approximately one-third of patients were managed by community pharmacy team members without the need for referral to a pharmacist and one in five patients presented with escalation symptoms and were signposted to other healthcare settings. A total of 94% (97,452) of women received self-care advice of which 36% (37,565) were also provided with additional patient information leaflets.

Usability Evaluation of a Community Pharmacy Health Information Exchange Interface Prototype.

Few community pharmacies have access to health information exchange (HIE) data. We conducted a first-of-its-kind usability evaluation of an HIE interface prototype (referred to throughout as the "HIE-Pioneer mock-up") developed with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to aid future implementation in community pharmacies. Community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians were recruited to complete usability evaluations with the HIE-Pioneer mock-up. Each usability evaluation lasted up to 60 minutes. System usability scale (SUS) scores were collected from each participant following each usability evaluation session and summarized with descriptive statistics. Usability evaluation videos were reviewed for common usability attributes, such as the impact of identified usability problems, learnability, and efficiency. Time on task, task success rates, and prototype utilization were also recorded. Sixteen total participants completed usability testing across three community pharmacies. The average SUS score was 69.7 (scale 0-100, where 100 is the best), with pharmacists on average reporting higher satisfaction than technicians (74.1 vs. 65.3, respectively). Altogether, we identified 23 distinct usability problems. Key problems identified included needed clarification in tool label names and accessibility of HIE links within the existing workflow. Overall, the usability of the HIE-Pioneer mock-up generally fostered pharmacy professionals' ease of learning and efficiency. Our study identified key areas, and potential solutions, to improve the usability of the HIE-Pioneer mock-up. Overall, pharmacy professionals viewed the HIE-Pioneer mock-up positively, with good satisfaction ratings. The HIE-Pioneer mock-up provides a blueprint for future HIE implementation in community pharmacy settings, which would increase community pharmacy teams' access to HIE data nationwide. Community pharmacy access to bi-directional HIE is expected to improve communication among more health care professionals involved in patient care and equip pharmacy professionals with needed information for improved clinical decision-making.

Perceived current and future roles of UK-based community pharmacy professionals in the long-term management of acne

IntroductionAcne is a common skin condition treated in community pharmacy but moderate to severe cases may need referral to general practice for treatment that may include topical or oral antimicrobial treatments. Pharmacy teams working in the community are well-placed to manage acne treatments in line with NICE guidance. ObjectivesTo explore the perceived current and future roles of community pharmacy (CP) teams alongside needs to achieve potential future roles. Additionally, usefulness of the TARGET acne ‘How to’ toolkit to support these roles was sought. MethodsA mixed-methods electronic survey of UK-based CP professionals and stakeholders in March 2023. Results54 pharmacy professionals and stakeholders responded to the survey. The current confidence of pharmacy professionals in managing acne was rated as moderate and reviewing long-term medications for acne prescribed by another healthcare professional was seen as a future role. The needs identified to undertake such a role were: training, availability of prescribing or supply frameworks, and appropriate remuneration. The TARGET acne resources were thought of as being very useful for acne management. ConclusionsPotential future roles for CP have been identified, alongside additional needs to undertake these roles; the TARGET acne ‘How to’ resources could support pharmacy professionals in the management and review of antimicrobial treatment for acne.

The Use of the TARGET Antibiotic Checklist to Support Antimicrobial Stewardship in England's Community Pharmacies.

Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) requires effective teamwork between healthcare professionals, with patients receiving consistent messages from all healthcare professionals on the appropriate antimicrobial use. Patient education may reduce patients' expectations to receive antibiotics for self-limiting conditions and reduce the pressure on primary care clinicians to prescribe antibiotics. The TARGET Antibiotic Checklist is part of the national AMS resources for primary care and aims to support interaction between community pharmacy teams and patients prescribed antibiotics. The Checklist, completed by the pharmacy staff with patients, invites patients to report on their infection, risk factors, allergies, and knowledge of antibiotics. The TARGET antibiotic checklist was part of the AMS criteria of England's Pharmacy Quality Scheme for patients presenting with an antibiotic prescription from September 2021 to May 2022. A total of 9950 community pharmacies claimed for the AMS criteria and 8374 of these collectively submitted data from 213,105 TARGET Antibiotic Checklists. In total, 69,861 patient information leaflets were provided to patients to aid in the knowledge about their condition and treatment. 62,544 (30%) checklists were completed for patients with an RTI; 43,093 (21%) for UTI; and 30,764 (15%) for tooth/dental infections. An additional 16,625 (8%) influenza vaccinations were delivered by community pharmacies prompted by discussions whilst using the antibiotic checklist. Community pharmacy teams promoted AMS using the TARGET Antibiotic Checklist, providing indication-specific education and positively impacting the uptake of influenza vaccinations.

Three-quarters of public support pharmacists prescribing their medication, survey results show

A survey commissioned by NHS England has revealed there are high levels of satisfaction and confidence among the general public with the care provided by community pharmacy teams. Polling company Ipsos, which carried out the ‘Public Perceptions of Community Pharmacy Survey’ in July 2022, invited 3,402 randomly selected UK adults aged over 16 years to […]

Medication errors in community pharmacies: Evaluation of a standardized safety program

BackgroundThe mandated reporting of medication-related errors in community pharmacies including incidents resulting in inappropriate medication use and near misses intercepted before reaching the patient can be utilized as learning opportunities to aid in the prevention of future events. ObjectivesTo examine reporting uptake, trends, and initial learnings from medication errors reported by community pharmacists to the Assurance and Improvement in Medication Safety (AIMS) Program based in Ontario, Canada between April 1st, 2018, and June 30th, 2021. MethodsA descriptive analysis was conducted of all events reported to the AIMS Program during the study period. The web-based reporting form includes a series of mandatory and optional fields completed by the reporter. Individual medications were grouped into broader classes prior to conducting the analysis. ResultsAmong the 31,768 event reports received from 2856 community pharmacies, there were 19,639 incidents and 12,129 near misses. Low reporting followed by a rapid increase was observed during expansion of the AIMS Program in 2018, with almost 60% of Ontario community pharmacies submitting at least 1 event over the study period. In most cases (90.5%), no patient harm was reported. The most frequent event types involved the incorrect drug (19.5%), concentration (17.2%) or quantity (14.5%). Approximately 25% of events were identified by the involved patient or their agent. When looking at medication classes, antihypertensives, opioids and antidepressants were involved in over one-quarter of overall and higher severity events. Environmental staffing problems and interruptions were the contributory factor and sub-factor most frequently reported, respectively. ConclusionsThis study provides insights into engagement with the AIMS Program by Ontario community pharmacy teams since implementation in 2018. The identification of the circumstances and medications associated with both incidents and near misses, aids in the continued development of strategies and processes to help prevent future events.

Description of a Pharmacy COVID Champion Service in South East London to Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy.

In the United Kingdom, COVID vaccinations were rolled out from December 2020. In July 2021 in South East London there were areas of high COVID prevalence and low vaccination uptake. Therefore, a COVID champion service was launched in community pharmacies enabling pharmacy teams to have conversations with patients regarding the vaccination programme and their concerns and signposting as needed. The aim of the project was to evaluate the impact of the service on COVID vaccination uptake and perceptions of pharmacy teams. Quantitative data was received from pharmacy interaction records plus a pharmacy survey. In addition, qualitative data was received through interviews with 12 pharmacists involved in the service, which was analysed using content analysis, along with interviews with commissioner representatives. Between July and October 2021, 8539 conversations took place. From these 6094 patients agreed to vaccination, with 2019 initially hesitant patients converted. Lack of understanding, risk of blood clots and cultural concerns were the largest areas of hesitance. Pharmacy teams were happy to support conversation and local working with knowledge and confidence. Engagement within the team was the biggest enabler, with pressure to deliver other services being the biggest barrier. These results show the value of community pharmacy teams, having conversations with the public, addressing concerns where applicable, and signposting to the appropriate sites so patients are supported to achieve maximum health outcomes.

Patients’ opinions on participation in patient-centered outcomes research in community pharmacies: A qualitative study

BackgroundPatient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) often brings patient voices, thoughts, and opinions into the research process, allowing patients to have a say in the research process from project inception to dissemination of results. Community pharmacy teams are well-situated to engage patients in their own health and in research, given their trusting relationships with patients and access in communities. ObjectiveTo gather patients’ opinions on participation in PCOR at their local community pharmacy. MethodsFour regional focus groups representing western, central, northeastern, and southeastern Pennsylvania were conducted. A single community pharmacy in each region recruited patients to participate in each focus group. A focus group discussion guide was developed and reviewed by a Stakeholder Advisory Board that consisted patients, pharmacists, and researchers. Questions focused on patients’ relationships with their pharmacy and pharmacist, perceptions of research occurring at their local pharmacy, and patient engagement methods. Focus group sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and independently coded by 2 investigators. Coding discrepancies were reconciled through discussion, and a qualitative inductive thematic analysis was conducted by the research team. ResultsA total of 44 patients participated in one of 4 focus groups. Patients provided insights into what would make them more likely to participate in PCOR at their local community pharmacy. Four themes emerged from the discussions: (1) Understanding the impact to one’s health or community affects participation; (2) Patients prefer to schedule research activities at times outside of prescription pick-up or drop-off; (3) Trusted relationships can be leveraged for recruitment; and (4) Face-to-face engagement is preferred for participant recruitment. ConclusionPatients want to engage in research in a way that is respectful of their time and matters to them. Strong patient-pharmacist relationships are essential for patient engagement in and acceptance of PCOR opportunities in community pharmacies. Community pharmacies may be rich locations to engage patients in PCOR.

Community pharmacy in Wales promised 4% funding uplift conditional on staff pay rises

Community pharmacy teams in Wales could see a 4% pay uplift backdated to 1 April 2022, following a commitment from the government to increase contractual funding for the sector in 2022/2023. In a letter to all community pharmacies dated 7 September 2022, Andrew Evans, chief pharmaceutical officer for Wales, said that funding through the community […]

More than half of community pharmacies face IT outages lasting more than an hour, finds survey

More than half of community pharmacy teams have experienced IT system failures at least once within a two-month time frame, a survey by the Community Pharmacy IT Group has found. The survey of 250 community pharmacy team members found that 56.5% noticed their electronic prescription service (EPS) or their patient medication record systems “failing for […]