Pharmacist contributions to patient care and medical conditions present among recipients of Ontario primary care team pharmacist-led medication reviews: a qualitative analysis

Int J Pharm Pract. 2021 Aug 11;29(4):385-388. doi: 10.1093/ijpp/riab023.

Abstract

Objectives: Family Health Teams (FHTs) in Ontario, Canada are interdisciplinary primary healthcare practices where pharmacists engage in patient care including medication and chronic disease management.

Methods: Descriptive content analysis was used to examine qualitative responses of FHT pharmacists on their most significant contribution to a patient's medication management.

Key findings: Common roles described included medication management (70.2%), counselling and education (15.5%), monitoring and optimization (11.3%) and administration (3.1%). Chronic conditions addressed were diabetes (39.0%), cardiovascular (22.0%), pain (17.0%) and mental health (11.0%).

Conclusions: While FHT pharmacists primarily view themselves as medication management experts, larger roles in counselling, education and chronic disease management are key contributions.

Keywords: chronic medications; medication management; medication review; pharmacy; primary care.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Ontario
  • Patient Care
  • Patient Care Team
  • Pharmacists*
  • Primary Health Care
  • Professional Role*

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