Kevin P Mc Namara1, Gregory M Peterson2, Josie Hughes2, Ines Krass3, Vincent Versace4, Robyn A Clark5, James Dunbar4. 1. Deakin Rural Health, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia. Electronic address: kevin.mcnamara@deakin.edu.au. 2. Unit for Medicines Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas, Australia. 3. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. 4. Deakin Rural Health, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia. 5. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Population screening and monitoring of cardiovascular risk is suboptimal in Australian primary care. The role of community pharmacy has increased considerably, but without any policy framework for development. The aim of this study was to explore the nature of community pharmacy-based screening models in Australia, capacity to increase delivery of pharmacy screening, and barriers and enablers to increasing capacity. METHODS: An online survey weblink was emailed to pharmacy managers at every quality-accredited pharmacy in Australia by the Quality Pharmacy Care Program. The 122-item survey explored the nature of screening services, pharmacy capacity to deliver services, and barriers and enablers to service delivery in considerable detail. Adaptive questioning was used extensively to reduce the participant burden. Pharmacy location details were requested to facilitate geo-coding and removal of duplicate entries. A descriptive analysis of responses was undertaken. RESULTS: There were 294 valid responses from 4890 emails, a 6% response rate. Most pharmacies (79%) had private counselling areas. Blood pressure assessment was nearly universal (96%), but other common risk factor assessments were offered by a minority. Most did not charge for assessments, and 59% indicated capacity to provide multiple risk factor assessments. Fewer than one in five (19%) reported any formal arrangements with general practice for care coordination. Financial viability was perceived as a key barrier to service expansion, amid concerns of patient willingness to pay. Support from government and non-governmental organisations for their role was seen as necessary. CONCLUSION: There appears to be a critical mass of pharmacies engaging in evidence-based and professional services. Considerable additional support appears required to optimise performance across the profession.
BACKGROUND: Population screening and monitoring of cardiovascular risk is suboptimal in Australian primary care. The role of community pharmacy has increased considerably, but without any policy framework for development. The aim of this study was to explore the nature of community pharmacy-based screening models in Australia, capacity to increase delivery of pharmacy screening, and barriers and enablers to increasing capacity. METHODS: An online survey weblink was emailed to pharmacy managers at every quality-accredited pharmacy in Australia by the Quality Pharmacy Care Program. The 122-item survey explored the nature of screening services, pharmacy capacity to deliver services, and barriers and enablers to service delivery in considerable detail. Adaptive questioning was used extensively to reduce the participant burden. Pharmacy location details were requested to facilitate geo-coding and removal of duplicate entries. A descriptive analysis of responses was undertaken. RESULTS: There were 294 valid responses from 4890 emails, a 6% response rate. Most pharmacies (79%) had private counselling areas. Blood pressure assessment was nearly universal (96%), but other common risk factor assessments were offered by a minority. Most did not charge for assessments, and 59% indicated capacity to provide multiple risk factor assessments. Fewer than one in five (19%) reported any formal arrangements with general practice for care coordination. Financial viability was perceived as a key barrier to service expansion, amid concerns of patient willingness to pay. Support from government and non-governmental organisations for their role was seen as necessary. CONCLUSION: There appears to be a critical mass of pharmacies engaging in evidence-based and professional services. Considerable additional support appears required to optimise performance across the profession.
Authors: Leanne Chalmers; Petra Czarniak; Jeffery Hughes; Rebecca Iacob; Ya Ping Lee; Kiran Parsons; Richard Parsons; Bruce Sunderland; Tin Fei Sim Journal: Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm Date: 2022-06-02
Authors: Hadi A Almansour; Nouf M Aloudah; Tariq M Alhawassi; Betty Chaar; Ines Krass; Bandana Saini Journal: Saudi Pharm J Date: 2020-03-18 Impact factor: 4.330