1
|
Wang Y, Ram SS, Scahill S. Understanding Risk Factors for Complaints Against Pharmacists: A Content Analysis. J Patient Saf 2024; 20:e18-e28. [PMID: 38506483 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000001217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pharmacists constitute a crucial component of the healthcare system, significantly influencing the provision of medication services and ensuring patient safety. This study aims to understand the characteristics and risk factors for complaints against pharmacists through Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) published decisions. METHODS This study adopts a retrospective, qualitative approach. An inductive content analysis technique was used to analyze 37 complaints against pharmacists published decisions from the New Zealand Health and Disability Commissioner website to investigate a range of underlying risk factors contributing to the occurrence of complaints against pharmacists. RESULTS A set of 20 categories of risk factors emerged through the content analysis and were subsequently grouped into five overarching themes: pharmacist individual factors, organizational factors, system factors, medication-specific factors, and external environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study provide valuable insights that expand the understanding of risk management in pharmacist practice, serving as a valuable resource for regulatory bodies, policymakers, educators, and practitioners. It is recommended not only to focus solely on individual pharmacists but also to consider integrating their environment and individual behaviors to proactively address situations prone to errors and subsequent complaints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Wang
- From the School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
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] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Murry LT, Flood M, Holton A, Kenny RA, Moriarty F. Use of pharmacy services in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults; findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 10:100265. [PMID: 37181502 PMCID: PMC10173775 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100265] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The role of community pharmacists has evolved in recent years with expansion in pharmacy services offered. The extent to which patients utilise such services in community pharmacies in Ireland is unclear. Objective To assess pharmacy services use among adults aged ≥56 years in Ireland, and determine the demographic and clinical factors associated with pharmacy services use. Methods This cross-sectional study included community-dwelling participants in wave 4 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), aged ≥56 years who were self-respondents. TILDA is a nationally representative cohort study, with wave 4 data collected during 2016. TILDA collects participant demographics and health data, in addition to information on the use of several services when visiting the pharmacy in the last 12 months. Characteristics and pharmacy services use were summarised. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association of demographic and health factors with reporting (i) any pharmacy service use and (ii) requesting medicines advice. Results Among 5782 participants (55.5% female, mean age 68 years), 96.6% (5587) reported visiting a pharmacy in the previous 12 months, and almost one fifth of these (1094) utilised at least one non-dispensing pharmacy service. The most common non-dispensing services reported were requesting advice about medications (786, 13.6%), blood pressure monitoring (184, 3.2%), and vaccination (166, 2.9%). Controlling for other factors, female sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95% CI 1.14-1.52), third-level education (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.51-2.27), higher rates of GP visits, private health insurance (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.07-1.56), higher number of medications, loneliness, and respiratory condition diagnosis (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14-1.74) were associated with higher likelihood of utilising pharmacy services. The relationship between these factors and requesting medicines advice was similar. Conclusion A high proportion of middle-aged and older adults visit community pharmacy and a fifth utilise specified pharmacy services. Despite advances in the services offered in pharmacies, medicines advice remains at the core of pharmacists' practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Logan T. Murry
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michelle Flood
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alice Holton
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin., Ireland
| | - Frank Moriarty
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin., Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wong LS, Ram SS, Scahill SL. Understanding the Risk Factors and Stressors Impacting Optimal Work Practices in New Zealand Pharmacies: A S.H.E.L.L Model Analysis. PHARMACY 2023; 11:90. [PMID: 37368416 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11030090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The safe performance of pharmacists is an important issue for patients and regulators. It is recognized that pharmacists interact with a variety of healthcare professionals and act as a bridge between other healthcare providers and systems and patients in the health setting. There has been growing activity in exploring factors that impact optimal performance and determinants that are linked with medication errors and practice incidents. The aviation and military industries have used S.H.E.L.L modeling to identify how personnel interact with factors that affect outcomes. A human factors approach is a useful angle to take when trying to improve optimal practice. Little is known about the experiences of New Zealand pharmacists and S.H.E.L.L factors that affect day-to-day practices in their work environment. (2) Methods: We investigated environment, team, and organizational considerations as the determining factors of optimal work practices using an anonymous online questionnaire. The questionnaire was built from a modified version of the software, hardware, environment, and liveware (S.H.E.L.L) model. This identified components of a work system that were vulnerable and that provided risks to optimal practice. Participants were New Zealand pharmacists approached through a subscriber list provided by the regulatory authority of the profession. (3) Results: We received responses from 260 participants (8.56%). The majority of participants indicated that optimal practice was occurring. More than 95% of respondents agreed that knowledge, fatigue interruptions, complacency, and stress affected optimal practice. Equipment and tools, medication arrangement on the shelf, lighting, physical layout, and communication with staff and patients were important factors for optimal practice. A smaller cohort of participants, 13 percent (n = 21), stated that dispensing processes, dissemination, and enforcement of standard operating procedures and procedural guidance did not affect pharmacy practice, 21.3% responded that professional and ethical requirements did not affect optimal practice, 20% stated that having a staffroom affected optimal practice, 20% did not think substance use affected optimal practice, and 30% did not state that cultural differences affected optimal practice. Optimal practice is constrained when there is a lack of experience, professionalism, and communication among staff, patients, and external agencies. COVID-19 also has had an impact on pharmacists both personally and in their work environments. Exploring how the pandemic has affected pharmacists and their work environment warrants further research. (4) Conclusions: Pharmacists across New Zealand agreed that optimal practices were occurring and considered other factors that were perceived to not affect optimal practice. A human factor S.H.E.L.L framework has been used to analyze themes to understand the optimal practice. The rising body of international literature on the effect of the pandemic on pharmacy practice serves as a foundation for many of these themes. Longitudinal data would be useful in exploring some factors, such as pharmacist well-being over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lun Shen Wong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Grafton Campus, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Sanyogita Sanya Ram
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Grafton Campus, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Shane L Scahill
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Grafton Campus, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The pharmacist as safety net: an interview-based study of the intersecting dependencies between doctors and pharmacists. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:40. [PMID: 36894977 PMCID: PMC9999512 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00536-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social science research has demonstrated how health practitioners negotiate and contest professional roles and jurisdictions in practice, and in ways that reflect the power dynamics that permeate medicine. This article further explores these relational dynamics by examining how general practitioners (GPs) in Aotearoa New Zealand frame their working relationships with pharmacists. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 GPs from around the country. Interviews had a mean duration of 46 min, and were thematically analysed. RESULTS GPs saw and used pharmacists as a key source of information about both medicines and patients; thus it was not only pharmacists' training and expertise, but also their community setting and patient proximity, that made them a useful resource to doctors. Furthermore, GPs framed pharmacists as a critical 'safety net' due to their role in catching errors and checking prescribing details. The pharmacy 'safety net' also came through in participants' comments on discount pharmacies, which have introduced pronounced cost-cutting logics to Aotearoa New Zealand's pharmaceutical landscape; in their reflections on these organisations, prescribers express the importance of robust pharmacy practice to their own work. CONCLUSIONS Whilst the literature often foregrounds tensions in how health providers reinscribe their professional roles, this research highlights the interdependence that doctors identify with pharmacists, and their aspirations for working together. Both professional groups navigate a pressed health system that presents a set of common challenges to good medicines practice.
Collapse
|
6
|
Darlow B, Brown M, Hudson B, Frew G, Clark J, Vincent L, Grainger R, Marra C, McKinlay E, Abbott JH, Briggs AM. Knee osteoarthritis and the knowledgeable, trustworthy pharmacist: Patient and pharmacist perceptions of community pharmacy-based education and support. Musculoskeletal Care 2023; 21:3-15. [PMID: 35615979 DOI: 10.1002/msc.1660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) clinical guidelines recommend self-management education, but education is often not included in primary care consultations. OBJECTIVE To explore pharmacists' and patients' perceptions of a pharmacist-led model of service delivery for knee OA that was integrated within pharmacies' day-to-day workflow. METHODS Cross-sectional qualitative design using Thematic Analysis. Community pharmacies were recruited in New Zealand and Australia. Pharmacy patients were screened for knee OA and offered tailored explanations, self-management information and referral for further support. Pharmacist focus groups and patient 1:1 interviews explored perceptions of the service delivery model. RESULTS Nineteen pharmacists and 12 patients with knee OA participated. Pharmacist and patient data were analysed separately, with themes compared and contrasted to derive three meta-themes. Meta-theme 1: 'Welcome Engagement' included two pharmacist themes ('putting my broad skill set to use' and 'we're here and happy to help') and two patient themes ('information delivered well' and 'a welcome offer of help'). Meta-theme 2: 'The Knowledgeable and Trustworthy Pharmacist' included two pharmacist themes ('professional knowledge to help all sorts of patients' and 'managing time to help my patients') and one patient theme ('the accessible professional who I know and trust'). Meta-theme 3: 'The Opportunity for More Support' included one pharmacist theme ('this is not the end of the story') and one patient theme ('more help is available'). CONCLUSION Community pharmacists are well-positioned to provide information and support to people with knee OA. Pharmacists appreciate the opportunity to better use their skills and accessibility for OA care, and patients welcome this engagement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Darlow
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Melanie Brown
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ben Hudson
- Department of General Practice, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Gareth Frew
- Canterbury Community Pharmacy Group, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jane Clark
- Consumer Research Partner, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Rebecca Grainger
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Carlo Marra
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Eileen McKinlay
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - J Haxby Abbott
- Department of Surgery, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Andrew M Briggs
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rimal R, Lin J, Yan Chan AH, Chen TF, Sheridan J, Sundram F. A national study of the mental health literacy of community pharmacists. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:3303-3311. [PMID: 35027306 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacists are in a prime position to communicate with and assist those with mental health needs. However, mental health literacy, which includes beliefs and knowledge of mental health conditions, can impact the provision of pharmacy services. The mental health literacy of community pharmacists in New Zealand is currently unknown. OBJECTIVES To assess the mental health literacy of community pharmacists in New Zealand. METHODS We employed a national cross-sectional online survey, evaluating attitudes towards mental illness, ability to recognise depression using a vignette and followed by questions related to the helpfulness of various interventions, and willingness to provide pharmacy services for people with mental illness in comparison to cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, opportunities for mental health training were explored. Participants were community pharmacists working in New Zealand contacted via mailing lists of professional bodies. RESULTS We received responses from 346 participants. The majority of participants showed positive attitudes towards mental illness and correctly identified depression in the vignette (87%). Participants rated counsellors (84%) and physical activity (92%) as the most helpful professionals and intervention respectively while only 43% considered antidepressants as helpful for depression. When compared to other people in the community, long-term functioning of the individual described in the vignette was rated poorly, especially in terms of increased likelihood to attempt suicide (85%) and reduced likelihood to be a productive worker (64%). Approximately 30% of participants reported reduced confidence/comfort while approximately half of participants reported greater interest in providing mental health-related care compared to cardiovascular disease. The participants also highlighted several areas for future mental health training they wished to undertake. CONCLUSIONS We have identified positive attitudes towards mental illness in our study. Participants correctly identified and supported evidence-based interventions for mild to moderate depression. However, we highlighted the need for ongoing mental health training to address knowledge gaps and enhance the confidence in providing mental health-related care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Retina Rimal
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanne Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Amy Hai Yan Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Timothy F Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Janie Sheridan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Frederick Sundram
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|