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Schafheutle EI, Moss AA, Hindi AMK, Gibson J, Lovatt E, Robinson K, Jacobs S. Do pay-for-performance schemes improve quality in community pharmacy? A mixed-methods study exploring stakeholder perspectives on implementation of the nationwide Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) in England? PLoS One 2025; 20:e0319215. [PMID: 40238835 PMCID: PMC12002447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0319215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2025] [Indexed: 04/18/2025] Open
Abstract
MAIN STUDY OBJECTIVES To evaluate implementation and impact (at pharmacy and system level) of the pharmacy quality scheme (PQS), a pay-for-performance quality incentive scheme in community pharmacies in England since 2017. METHODS Mixed-methods evaluation. Three linked datasets for 2021/22 (n = 10,135) were analysed for impact of pharmacy size, type (independent, chain, supermarket), location, prescription volume, and region on PQS participation, domains completion and payments. Forty-one qualitative interviews conducted with pharmacists, employers and representative bodies explored views and experiences of PQS implementation and impact. Harrington et al.'s conceptual framework for evaluating community pharmacy pay-for-performance programmes guided qualitative data analysis. RESULTS Nearly all community pharmacies in England participated in PQS, with differences identified between chains (99% participation) and independents (16.5%), with income via PQS being an important motivator. Interviewees agreed with policy-makers about the purpose of the PQS being patient safety, patient experience, and clinical effectiveness. Beyond these core dimensions, consistency of service provision, sustainability, and wider system integration were considered important. While PQS was largely viewed as positively impacting pharmacy teams, clinical practice, and patient care, interviewees felt that increasing workloads across the sector made it challenging to focus on quality. They felt that there was a lack of feedback, that impacts were not always visible, and indeed frontline pharmacists were often not aware of published evidence of PQS impacts. Multiple sources of guidance lead to duplication and confusion. Particularly independent pharmacies found PQS workload burdensome and complex. CONCLUSION The primary incentive for PQS engagement revolved around income stability for employers, with some positive impact achieved, but obstacles concerning resource implications and sustainability persist. Considering concerns about the viability of community pharmacy and the importance of increasing the scope of pharmaceutical services, these implementation challenges should lead policy-makers to question how best to incentivise quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Ingrid Schafheutle
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan Akira Moss
- ICF Research and Evaluation Consulting Services, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Mawfek Khaled Hindi
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Gibson
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Lovatt
- ICF Research and Evaluation Consulting Services, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Robinson
- ICF Research and Evaluation Consulting Services, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sally Jacobs
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Clark SD, Newing A. Assessing spatial accessibility of community pharmacies in England and Wales using floating catchment area techniques. J Pharm Policy Pract 2025; 18:2466203. [PMID: 40012587 PMCID: PMC11864020 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2025.2466203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2025] [Indexed: 02/28/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Community pharmacies in England and Wales are taking on a broader range of primary care responsibilities in order to ease pressure on other health services. 'Pharmacy First', launched in 2024, allows patients to access treatment for a range of common conditions directly from a pharmacy without the need to consult a GP. However, funding and workforce pressures have resulted in a number of pharmacy closures in recent years. This study assesses the geographical accessibility of community pharmacies in England and Wales and identifies the impact of these recent closures. Methods Using open data on pharmacy locations and opening hours this study calculates a Spatial Accessibility Index (SPAI) for access to pharmacies by car in 2022 and 2024. We use a Modified Huff Variable Three Step Floating Catchment Area (MHV3SFCA), a variant of the Floating Catchment Area (FCA) technique. Results Suburban and rural neighbourhoods tend to have poorer access to community pharmacies, whilst more deprived neighbourhoods generally have comparatively better access. We identify neighbourhoods which could be classed as 'pharmacy deserts', which are primarily located in rural areas. We identify that all neighbourhood area types witness a reduction in overall accessibility to community pharmacies between 2022 and 2024. In total these result in a 10% reduction in the SPAI. Conclusion The MHV3SFCA applied here is novel in its application to community pharmacy accessibility in a UK context. We demonstrate its utility as a tool to identify the impact of changes to the community pharmacy network on accessibility as experienced by different neighbourhoods. We find evidence of a 'positive pharmacy care law' and also the existence of some 'pharmacy deserts'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D. Clark
- School of Geography and Consumer Data Research Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Andy Newing
- School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Hindi AMK, Schafheutle EI, Campbell SM. What are the priorities for improving quality for community pharmacy professional services? Nominal group technique discussions with multiple stakeholders. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:1594. [PMID: 39696246 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11869-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 11/01/2024] [Indexed: 12/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare systems globally are expanding community pharmacy services to meet patient needs and reduce healthcare costs. In England this includes helping community pharmacies to provide integrated professional services but concerns persist over quality of care. This study aimed to identify priorities from key stakeholders for improving the quality of professional community pharmacy services. METHODS Six homogenous nominal group (NG) discussions (face-to-face and online) involved 36 participants from diverse stakeholder backgrounds. Participants included patients (n = 10), community pharmacists (n = 7), general practitioners, a general practice-based pharmacist (n = 4), community pharmacy service regulators (n = 5), Community Pharmacy England members (n = 4), and Local Pharmaceutical Committee members (n = 6), both responsible for negotiating services. Delbecq's NG technique included silent idea generation, round-robin feedback, discussion, and ranking for consensus building. Discussions were audio-recorded and verbatim transcripts analysed thematically using NVivo12. Emerging themes across all NGDs were analysed by thematic analyses. Individual discrete ranking within each NGD were then combined by summing the mean scores of the categories within each theme. RESULTS Five key themes emerged from qualitative analysis across all NGDs: quality service design, sustained funding, integration with the wider healthcare system, positioning community pharmacy as a hub for patient needs, and adequate workforce training, optimising staffing and retention. Participants emphasised the need for long-term commitment to quality service design centred on addressing local patient need, sustained and predictable funding. Community pharmacy staff having some access to patient records for making informed clinical decisions was discussed. Scoring priorities ranked as follows (highest to lowest): ensuring quality service design, sustained funding, integration with healthcare systems, community pharmacy as patient hubs, and workforce training and retention, reflecting different stakeholder priorities in these areas. CONCLUSION This study highlighted core priority areas for a framework to improve the quality of community pharmacy professional services within a more responsive and integrated primary care led healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M K Hindi
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Ellen I Schafheutle
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Stephen M Campbell
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Pretoria, 0208, South Africa
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Officer T, McDonald J, Jeffreys M, Cumming J, Russell L, McKinlay E, Kennedy J, Tanuvasa AF, Morris C. Changes in provision of extended community pharmacy services in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2018 to 2022. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:1571. [PMID: 39696269 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11948-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 12/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognition is growing of the contributions community pharmacists make to the primary health care team, as their role shifts from a traditional dispensing focus to greater emphasis on fully applying their clinical skills. Some extended pharmacist services (e.g., vaccinations) are becoming increasingly common in New Zealand (Aotearoa). Community pharmacies provided key services during the COVID-19 response. METHODS An online survey was sent to community and intern pharmacists in 2022, regarding delivery of extended services and enablers and barriers to service provision, to look at changes since a 2018 survey. New questions were included regarding pharmacy services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and comparisons made between reported proportions in the 2018 and 2022 surveys. For questions related to attributes of pharmacies rather than pharmacists, we weighted the data by the inverse of the number of pharmacists in the pharmacy. RESULTS A total of 64 pharmacists and 25 interns responded to the survey. The most common services for which pharmacists were accredited were the provision of the emergency contraceptive pill (95%), sildenafil (94%), trimethoprim (88%) and immunisations (80%). There was an increase from 2018 to 2022 in the proportion of pharmacists who were accredited to provide selected oral contraceptives and immunisations. As in 2018, interns showed strong interest in gaining accreditation for all extended services. Enablers and barriers to offering extended services did not change materially between 2018 and 2022, other than a greater proportion of pharmacists reporting that they were too busy dispensing to offer more services (an increase from 46 to 63%, P = 0.033). Almost all (98%) reported that "COVID increased the levels of stress at work", 94% that "workload has increased", and 90% that "home delivery services increased." Sixty-nine percent of pharmacists and 73% of interns reported work stress negatively affecting their wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS Most pharmacists want to work at the top of their scope of practice and are accredited to offer a range of extended services. However, their ability to focus on more patient-facing roles continues to be constrained by the time they spend dispensing. Adequate remuneration for services provided remains a concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Officer
- Te Kura Tapuhi Hauora School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Practice, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
| | - Janet McDonald
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora-Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Mona Jeffreys
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora-Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Jacqueline Cumming
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora-Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Lynne Russell
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora-Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Eileen McKinlay
- Centre for Interprofessional Education, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Kennedy
- Department of Primary Health Care & General Practice, Te Tari Hauora Tūmatanui, University of Otago Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington, 6242, New Zealand
| | - Ausaga Fa'asalele Tanuvasa
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora-Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Caroline Morris
- Department of Primary Health Care & General Practice, Te Tari Hauora Tūmatanui, University of Otago Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington, 6242, New Zealand
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Abdelfatah OA, Hilton A, Schafheutle E, Wong G, Holden K, Scott L, Roberts N, Haddington N, Kelly T, Hibberd V, Sturrock A, Maidment I. INdependenT prEscribinG in community phaRmAcy; whaT works for whom, why and in what circumstancEs (INTEGRATE): Realist review study protocol. NIHR OPEN RESEARCH 2024; 4:72. [PMID: 39931701 PMCID: PMC11808844 DOI: 10.3310/nihropenres.13766.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2025]
Abstract
Introduction The last decades have witnessed a series of initiatives in the United Kingdom (UK) to enhance patient access to quality care including access to medicine without compromising patient's safety. Pharmacist independent prescribing is one of the initiatives introduced in 2006 with the intention of making more effective use of the skills and competencies of health professionals. Community pharmacy has a key role in the NHS long-term plan since pharmacies offer convenient and accessible sources of healthcare advice for the public. This role is more evident with the introduction of prescribing for all qualified pharmacists at the point of registration starting 2026. This realist review aims to explore how does independent prescribing in community pharmacy works, for whom, in what circumstances and how. Method and analysis Realist research seeks to explore and explain complex social interventions by utilising programme theories providing causal explanations of outcomes in terms of context-mechanism-outcome configurations.INTEGRATE will progress through six stages. In the first stage, we will partner with Patient, Public, Involvement and Engagement Group (PPIE) and Practitioner Stakeholder Group (SG), to further scrutinise the review's focus. In stage 2, we will develop initial programme theories for what makes independent prescribing effective in community pharmacy, for whom, in what circumstances and how. In the third stage, we will conduct literature searches to gather secondary data that will help refine our initial programme theories.In stage 4, we will select and appraise identified articles by screening titles, abstracts and full texts against inclusion and exclusion criteria. In stage 5, we will extract, document and code relevant data, followed by realist analysis with contributions from the PPIE and SG. Stage 6 focuses on refining programme theories and identifying key mechanisms that lead to desired outcomes.PROSPERO registration: CRD42023468451.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola Amr Abdelfatah
- Aston Pharmacy School, Aston University Aston Pharmacy School, Birmingham, England, B47ET, UK
| | - Andrea Hilton
- Paramedical, Perioperative and Advanced Practice; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull Department of Paramedical Perioperative and Advanced Practice, Hull, England, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Ellen Schafheutle
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, The University of Manchester Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Manchester, England, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Geof Wong
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Keith Holden
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, England, SR1 3SD, UK
| | - Lesley Scott
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, England, SR1 3SD, UK
| | - Nia Roberts
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Nick Haddington
- Workforce Training and Education Directorate, South West, NHS England, Bristol, England, BS1 6AG, UK
| | - Tony Kelly
- NHS Birmingham and Solihull STP, Solihull, England, B1 1TT, UK
| | - Vivienne Hibberd
- Aston Pharmacy School, Aston University Aston Pharmacy School, Birmingham, England, B47ET, UK
| | - Andrew Sturrock
- NHS Education for Scotland, Medical Directorate, NHS Scotland, Edinbrugh, Scotland, EH39DN, UK
| | - Ian Maidment
- Aston Pharmacy School, Aston University Aston Pharmacy School, Birmingham, England, B47ET, UK
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Morris C, McDonald J, Officer TN, Fa'asalele Tanuvasa A, Smiler K, Parore N, Dunn P, McKinlay E, Kennedy J, McBride-Henry K, Cumming J. A realist evaluation of the development of extended pharmacist roles and services in community pharmacies. Res Social Adm Pharm 2024; 20:321-334. [PMID: 38065764 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internationally, community pharmacy models of care have been moving away from a focus on dispensing to extended, clinically-focused roles for pharmacists. OBJECTIVES To identify how community pharmacy strategies were being implemented in Aotearoa New Zealand; how changes were expected to influence health and health system outcomes; what extended services were being delivered; the responses of pharmacists, other health professionals and consumers to these developments; and the contexts and mechanisms supporting the successful implementation of new community pharmacy services. METHODS A realist evaluation methodology was employed, to explore a complex policy intervention. Realist evaluation explores the contexts (C) within which initiatives are introduced and identifies the mechanisms (M) triggered by different contexts to produce outcomes (O). Realist evaluation processes iteratively develop, test, and refine CMO configurations. In this study, initial programme theories were developed through key government and professional policy documents, then refined through key informant interviews, a survey and interviews with pharmacists and intern (pre-registration) pharmacists, and finally, 10 case studies of diverse community pharmacies. RESULTS Four intermediate health service outcomes were identified: development of extended community pharmacist services; consumers using extended community pharmacist services; more integrated, collaborative primary health care services; and a fit-for-purpose community pharmacy workforce. Enabling and constraining contexts are detailed for each outcome, along with the mechanisms that they trigger (or inhibit). CONCLUSIONS There are wide-ranging and disparate levers to support the further development of extended community pharmacy services. These include aligning funding with desired services, undergraduate educators and professional leaders setting expectations for the pharmacists' role in practice, and the availability of sufficient funding and time for both specific extended service accreditation and broader postgraduate training. However, no simple "fix" can be universally applied internationally, nor even in pharmacies within a single jurisdiction, to facilitate service development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Morris
- Department of Primary Health Care & General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, PO Box 7343, Newtown, Wellington, 6242, New Zealand.
| | - Janet McDonald
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora, Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
| | - Tara Nikki Officer
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora, Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
| | - Ausaga Fa'asalele Tanuvasa
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora, Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
| | - Kirsten Smiler
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora, Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
| | - Nora Parore
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora, Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
| | - Phoebe Dunn
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora, Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
| | - Eileen McKinlay
- Department of Primary Health Care & General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, PO Box 7343, Newtown, Wellington, 6242, New Zealand.
| | - Jonathan Kennedy
- Department of Primary Health Care & General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, PO Box 7343, Newtown, Wellington, 6242, New Zealand.
| | - Karen McBride-Henry
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora, Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
| | - Jacqueline Cumming
- Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora, Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
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Hindi AMK, Campbell SM, Jacobs S, Schafheutle EI. Developing a quality framework for community pharmacy: a systematic review of international literature. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079820. [PMID: 38365299 PMCID: PMC10875530 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the defining features of the quality of community pharmacy (CP) services and synthesise these into an evidence-based quality framework. DESIGN Systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. DATA SOURCES International research evidence (2005 onwards) identified from six electronic databases (Embase, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and PsycINFO) was reviewed systematically from October 2022 to January 2023. Search terms related to 'community pharmacy' and 'quality'. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Titles and abstracts were screened against inclusion or exclusion criteria, followed by full-text screening by at least two authors. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method studies relevant to quality in CP were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Following narrative synthesis, a patient and public involvement event was held to further refine the quality framework. RESULTS Following the title and abstract screening of 11 493 papers, a total of 81 studies (qualitative and quantitative) were included. Of the 81 included studies, 43 investigated quality dimensions and/or factors influencing CP service quality; 21 studies assessed patient satisfaction with and/or preferences for CP, and 17 studies reported the development and assessment of quality indicators, standards and guidelines for CPs, which can help define quality.The quality framework emerging from the global literature consisted of six dimensions: person-centred care, access, environment, safety, competence and integration within local healthcare systems. Quality was defined as having timely and physical access to personalised care in a suitable environment that is safe and effective, with staff competent in the dispensing process and pharmacy professionals possessing clinical knowledge and diagnostic skills to assess and advise patients relative to pharmacists' increasingly clinical roles. CONCLUSION The emerging framework could be used to measure and improve the quality of CP services. Further research and feasibility testing are needed to validate the framework according to the local healthcare context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M K Hindi
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen M Campbell
- Centre for Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Sally Jacobs
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ellen Ingrid Schafheutle
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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McDermott I, Astbury J, Jacobs S, Willis S, Hindi A, Seston E, Schafheutle E. To be or not to be: The identity work of pharmacists as clinicians. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2023; 45:623-641. [PMID: 36610016 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study explores how pharmacists legitimise the expansion of their clinical work and considers its impact on pharmacists' professional identity work. In the context of pharmacy in the English NHS, there has been an ongoing policy shift towards pharmacists moving away from 'medicines supply' to patient-facing, clinical work since the 1950s. Pharmacists are continuously engaging in 'identity work' and 'boundary work' to reflect the expansion of their work, which has led to the argument that pharmacists lack a clear professional identity. Drawing insights from linguistics and specifically Van Leeuwen's 'grammar of legitimation', this study explains how the Pharmacy Integration Fund, a nationally funded learning programme, provides the discursive strategies for pharmacists to legitimise their identity work as clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imelda McDermott
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jayne Astbury
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sally Jacobs
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Willis
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ali Hindi
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Elizabeth Seston
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ellen Schafheutle
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Wongvedvanij R, Darawong C. Enhancing the service quality of community pharmacies for non-prescription medicines based on the perspectives of pharmacists and patients: a qualitative study. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2023; 16:38-45. [PMID: 36919811 DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2022.2026057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacies in several countries are encountering a fierce competition from both local and international rivals, resulting in significant challenges in maintaining competitiveness and market share. Pharmacies are important locations for those seeking non-prescription medicines and are equipped to manage a wide variety of ailments. However, despite the large number of previous qualitative studies on the service quality of community pharmacies, very few studies have explored the service quality dimensions, specifically for non-prescription medications. In this study, we aimed to explore pharmacists' and patients' perception of potential pharmacy service quality for dispensing non-prescription medicines. METHOD Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit and select qualified pharmacists and patients in the major cities of Thailand. Multiple face-to-face and telephone interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed systematically using the interpretive method of content analysis. RESULTS The participants reported several service attributes for dispensing of non-prescription medicines by community pharmacies. An analysis of the interviews revealed competence, communication, rapport, patient-centredness, and physical environment as the main themes related to service quality dimensions. Specifically, physical environment was categorized into two sub-themes, namely, hygiene and ambience. CONCLUSIONS Service quality dimensions of community pharmacies for non-prescription medications were supported by dyadic perspectives - pharmacist and patient perspectives. The findings of the study contribute to community pharmacy research by focusing on the potential dimensions of service quality, especially for non-prescription medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramida Wongvedvanij
- Graduate College of Management, Sripatum University Chonburi Campus, Muang, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - Chonlatis Darawong
- Graduate College of Management, Sripatum University Chonburi Campus, Muang, Chonburi, Thailand
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McDonald J, Morris C, Pledger M, Dunn P, Fa'asalele Tanuvasa A, Smiler K, Cumming J. A national survey of pharmacists and interns in Aotearoa New Zealand: provision and views of extended services in community pharmacies. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1147. [PMID: 34688303 PMCID: PMC8540874 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07158-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Changes in pharmacy models of care, services and funding have been occurring internationally, moving away from the traditional dispensing role to more extended patient-facing roles utilising pharmacists’ clinical skills. This study aimed to identify the extended services offered by community pharmacy in Aotearoa New Zealand and the barriers and facilitators to extended services provision. The study is unique in that it includes intern (pre-registration) pharmacists. Methods An online survey, conducted in 2018, of all pharmacists and intern (pre-registration) pharmacists working in a community pharmacy. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Results The results are based on replies from 553 community pharmacists and 59 intern pharmacists (response rate: 19 and 26% respectively). Both pharmacists (83%) and interns (85%) want to work at the top of their scope of practice. Wide variation exists in the specific services individual pharmacists offer. Most pharmacists were accredited to supply the emergency contraceptive pill (95%), sildenafil for erectile dysfunction (86%) and trimethoprim for uncomplicated urinary tract infection (85%). Fewer were able to immunise (34%) or to supply selected oral contraceptives (44%). Just under a quarter could provide a Medicines Use Review (MUR) or Community Pharmacy Anticoagulation Management Service (CPAMS). Of the pharmacists not already accredited, 85% intended to gain accreditation to supply selected oral contraceptives, 40% to become vaccinators, 37% to offer CPAMS and 30% MUR. Interns expressed strong interest in becoming accredited for all extended services. Poisson regression analyses showed key factors supporting the likelihood of providing extended services were owner and management support and appropriate space and equipment. Being excited about the opportunities in community pharmacy, having employer funding and time for training and sufficient support staff were also statistically significant. Conclusions Pharmacists need time and a supportive management structure to enable them to deliver extended services. Health policy with a greater strategic emphasis on funding services and pharmacist training, and developing technician support roles, will help to minimise or eliminate some of the barriers to role expansion both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07158-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet McDonald
- Health Services Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
| | - Caroline Morris
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington, 6242, New Zealand
| | - Megan Pledger
- Health Services Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Phoebe Dunn
- Health Services Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Ausaga Fa'asalele Tanuvasa
- Health Services Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Kirsten Smiler
- Health Services Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Jacqueline Cumming
- Health Services Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
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Seston EM, Magola E, Bower P, Chen LC, Jacobs S, Lewis PJ, Steinke D, Willis SC, Schafheutle EI. Supporting patients with long-term conditions in the community: Evaluation of the Greater Manchester Community Pharmacy Care Plan Service. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2020; 28:1671-1687. [PMID: 32285994 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Greater Manchester Community Pharmacy Care Plan (GMCPCP) service provided tailored care plans to help adults with one or more qualifying long-term condition (hypertension, asthma, diabetes and COPD) to achieve health goals and better self-management of their long-term conditions. The service ran between February and December 2017. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the service on patient activation, as measured by the PAM measure (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included quality of life (EQ-5D-5L, EQ-VAS), medication adherence (MARS-5), NHS resource use and costs, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol ratio levels and body mass index (BMI). A before and after design was used, with follow-up at 6-months. A questionnaire was distributed at follow-up and telephone interviews with willing participants were used to investigate patient satisfaction with the service. The study was approved by the University of Manchester Research Ethics Committee. Quantitative data were analysed in SPSS v22 (IBM). A total of 382 patients were recruited to the service; 280 (73%) remained at follow-up. Ten patients were interviewed and 43 completed the questionnaire. A total of 613 goals were set; mean of 1.7 goals per patient. Fifty percent of goals were met at follow-up. There were significant improvements in PAM, EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS scores and significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, BMI and HDL cholesterol ratio at follow-up. Mean NHS service use costs were significantly lower at follow-up; with a mean decrease per patient of £236.43 (±SD £968.47). The mean cost per patient for providing the service was £203.10, resulting in potential cost-savings of £33.33 per patient (SD ± 874.65). Questionnaire respondents reported high levels of satisfaction with the service. This study suggests that the service is acceptable to patients and may lead to improvements in health outcomes and allows for modest cost savings. Limitations of the study included the low response rate to the patient questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Seston
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Esnath Magola
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Bower
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Li-Chia Chen
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sally Jacobs
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Penny J Lewis
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Douglas Steinke
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah C Willis
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ellen I Schafheutle
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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12
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Hindi AMK, Schafheutle EI, Jacobs S. Applying a whole systems lens to the general practice crisis: cross-sectional survey looking at usage of community pharmacy services in England by patients with long-term respiratory conditions. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e032310. [PMID: 31699746 PMCID: PMC6858221 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE UK policy initiatives aiming to extend community pharmacy services to moderate patient demands and to reduce general practitioners' (GPs) workload have had limited success. This study used marketing theory to identify factors that could influence patients to make better use of community pharmacies within the primary care pathway. DESIGN Cross-sectional postal survey design applying the '7Ps marketing mix' ('product', 'price', 'place', 'promotion', 'people', 'process' and 'physical evidence'). SETTING Greater Manchester, England. PARTICIPANTS Patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease registered at two GP practices. PRIMARY OUTCOME Patient preference for community pharmacy services. RESULTS The response rate was 29% (289/1003). Most respondents preferred to use GP practices for invasive/diagnostic services (product) while preferring using community pharmacy for medicines supply and minor ailments (place). Stronger preference for using GP practices over community pharmacy was significantly associated with gender (male>female), age group (≥65 years) and healthcare services previously accessed at the pharmacy. Respondents perceived they would be more likely to use community pharmacy services if pharmacists offered them enough time to discuss any concerns (73.3%) (price), if community pharmacies had private/clean consultation rooms (70%-73%) (physical evidence) and if pharmacy staff had strong interpersonal skills (68%-70%) (people). Respondents were divided on likelihood of using community pharmacy services if pharmacists could access their whole medical record but wanted pharmacists to add information about their visit (59.6%) (process). Respondents would be encouraged to use community pharmacy for healthcare services if they were offered services by pharmacy staff or recommended/referred to services by their GP (44%) (promotion). CONCLUSIONS Using the 7Ps marketing mix highlighted that community pharmacies having staff with strong interpersonal skills, good quality consultation rooms and integrated information systems could positively influence patients to use community pharmacies for management of long-term conditions. There are opportunities for community pharmacies to alleviate GP workload, but a whole system approach will be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mawfek Khaled Hindi
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ellen Ingrid Schafheutle
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sally Jacobs
- Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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