van Paassen JG, Tan JP, Deneer VHM, Bouvy ML. Exploring the pharmacists' role in optimising antithrombotic therapy in primary care: a qualitative study.
BMJ Open 2024;
14:e079018. [PMID:
38508648 PMCID:
PMC10952980 DOI:
10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079018]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
In antithrombotic therapy, the balance between efficacy and safety is delicate, which makes it challenging for healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, to optimise therapy. Pharmacists may play an important role in optimising antithrombotic therapy, but especially in primary care, this role has not been elucidated. Here, we study how community pharmacists (pharmacists in primary care) perceive their current and future role in antithrombotic therapy.
DESIGN
We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. The interview protocol and subsequent analysis were based on the Theoretical Domains Framework, and the findings were interpreted with the Capability Opportunity Motivation - Behaviour System.
SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS
The interview participants were community pharmacists, located across the Netherlands, from the Utrecht Pharmacy Practice network for Education and Research.
RESULTS
We interviewed 16 community pharmacists between February and August 2021 and identified several major themes which were important for the pharmacist's role in antithrombotic therapy. Pharmacists felt responsible for the outcome of antithrombotic treatment and intended to invest in their role in antithrombotic therapy. Pharmacists did, however, experience barriers to their role in antithrombotic therapy, like a lack of access to clinical information such as the indication of antithrombotic treatment and a lack of specific knowledge on this treatment.
CONCLUSION
Community pharmacists perceive a role for themselves in antithrombotic therapy. To fulfil this role, several preconditions must be met.
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