Pharmacist-provided services and community pharmacist integration into a patient-centered medical home: A qualitative study of primary care clinic staff perceptions

Abstract

Objectives: To describe patient-centered medical home (PCMH) staff members' views toward community pharmacist involvement in patient care within the PCMH and to identify areas in which pharmacist-provided services can improve the quality of care in their clinics.

Design: Qualitative semistructured interview study.

Setting: One primary care clinic.

Participants: Multidisciplinary clinic staff members.

Outcome measures: Views of staff toward implementing a community pharmacist into their clinic and top pharmacist services to help improve medication management within the clinic.

Results: A total of 14 staff members of the clinic participated in the study. Participants included physicians, clinical staff members such as registered nurse assistants, licensed practical nurses, and medical assistants, and clinic management. Key themes included the following: the clinic was open to implementing pharmacy services; the providers would be very receptive to pharmacist recommendations; the clinic is willing to try different pharmacist integration models to see what works best within the workflow; the pharmacist must be readily available for consultation; the pharmacist should hold an introductory meeting with the clinic; opinions vary on the best timing of pharmacist appointments with patients; and ideas vary about the best location for pharmacist consultations. The top 5 pharmacist services mentioned by participants included chronic condition management, medication reconciliation training, Beers List education, diabetes education, and adherence counseling.

Conclusion: Primary care clinic staff support the integration of pharmacy services. Further research is needed to apply the results to other clinics and to identify barriers and opportunities in the implementation process.