Butler L, Zona S, Patel AA, Brittle C, Shea L. How can pharmacists better support patients with chronic diseases? The patient perspective.
J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023;
63:1776-1784.e3. [PMID:
37696490 DOI:
10.1016/j.japh.2023.08.023]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Patients' perceptions of their interaction with pharmacists can affect how they use this resource for chronic disease care.
OBJECTIVE
This qualitative study explored pharmacist-patient interactions and patients' perceptions of pharmacists' roles in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
METHODS
Patient volunteers, recruited through Janssen's Patient Engagement Research Council program, completed a 15-minute prework survey before a 90-minute live virtual focus group session to provide feedback on pharmacist-patient interactions, the pharmacist's role in patient care, and recommendations for improvement.
RESULTS
In total, 27 patients participated. Among patients with CVD (n=18), 56% were female, 61% aged ≥65 years, and 39%/39% Black/White. Of those with IBD (n=9), 56% were female, 89% aged 25-44 years, and 33%/56% Black/White. In the CVD cohort, patients conversed with their pharmacists at least monthly, on average. Patients were generally happy with their relationship with their pharmacist, viewing pharmacists as a trusted resource for medication information. Polypharmacy was common in the CVD cohort (mean, 10.8 medications). For patients with IBD, pharmacist-patient interactions were less frequent, relationships were generally perceived as transactional, patients took fewer medications (mean, 3.2), and felt uncomfortable discussing their disease in public. All patients (CVD and IBD) were unaware of pharmacists' medical training/knowledge. Recommendations included private spaces for sensitive conversations, phone/text support, in-depth regular check-ins, and proactive communication to highlight that the pharmacist's role is to provide patient-centered holistic care.
CONCLUSION
This research demonstrates a lack of understanding of pharmacist training, accessibility and role among patients with chronic disease, and highlights opportunities to amend delivery of care. These insights can be used to inform strategies and approaches tailored to address unique needs of specific patient populations to enhance pharmacist-patient interactions.
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