Louise S Deeks1, Mark Naunton2, Guan Han Tay3, Gregory M Peterson4, Gregory Kyle5, Rachel Davey6, Paresh Dawda7, John Goss8, Gabrielle M Cooper9, Julie Porritt10, Sam Kosari11. 1. BSc (Hons), PGDipPharmPrac, PGCertIPresc, Pharmacist Researcher, Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT. 2. BPharm (Hons), AACP, PhD, Head of Discipline, Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT. 3. BSc, MPharm, Researcher, Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT. 4. BPharm (Hons), MBA, PhD, Deputy Dean of Research, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas. 5. BPharm, MClinPharm, PhD, Head of Discipline, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld. 6. BSc (Hons), MMedSci, PhD, Director, Centre for Research @ Action in Public Health, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT. 7. MBBS, DRCOG, DFRSH, FRCGP, FRACGP, PGCertLeadership, Practicing Clinician and Medical Researcher, Centre for Research @ Action in Public Health, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT. 8. BEc, BSc, GradDiplNutrDiet, Health Economist, Centre for Research @ Action in Public Health, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT. 9. BPharm, PGDipHospPharm, PhD, Professor of Pharmacy, Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT. 10. BHlthSc (Mgt), MHSM, General Manager Innovation and Improvement, Capital Health Network, Deakin West, Canberra, ACT. 11. BPharm (Hons), AACP, PhD, Course Convenor, Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT. sam.kosari@canberra.edu.au.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Non-dispensing pharmacists are being suggested as a useful addition to the workforce in general practice. The aim of this study was to describe the activities of three general practice pharmacists over six months in a pilot trial. METHOD: Three general practices integrated a part-time (15.2-16 hours per week) non-dispensing pharmacist to be employed according to their individual skillset and local workplace needs. Each general practice pharmacist maintained a daily activity diary, which was subsequently analysed. RESULTS: The general practice pharmacists' activities were categorised as quality of practice (37%), administration (34%), medication review (19%) and patient education (11%). Within the quality of practice category, most time was spent conducting clinical audits (47%). Over the course of the six months, time spent on administration decreased, while time communicating with general practitioners (GPs) on clinical issues increased. DISCUSSION: The general practice pharmacists conducted a range of predominantly clinically related activities involving their expertise in the quality use of medications. Involvement in clinical activities to support GPs increased with time working in the practice. Randomised controlled trials are required to collect clinical outcomes and determine which activities conducted by pharmacists are most beneficial to Australian patients and GPs.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Non-dispensing pharmacists are being suggested as a useful addition to the workforce in general practice. The aim of this study was to describe the activities of three general practice pharmacists over six months in a pilot trial. METHOD: Three general practices integrated a part-time (15.2-16 hours per week) non-dispensing pharmacist to be employed according to their individual skillset and local workplace needs. Each general practice pharmacist maintained a daily activity diary, which was subsequently analysed. RESULTS: The general practice pharmacists' activities were categorised as quality of practice (37%), administration (34%), medication review (19%) and patient education (11%). Within the quality of practice category, most time was spent conducting clinical audits (47%). Over the course of the six months, time spent on administration decreased, while time communicating with general practitioners (GPs) on clinical issues increased. DISCUSSION: The general practice pharmacists conducted a range of predominantly clinically related activities involving their expertise in the quality use of medications. Involvement in clinical activities to support GPs increased with time working in the practice. Randomised controlled trials are required to collect clinical outcomes and determine which activities conducted by pharmacists are most beneficial to Australian patients and GPs.
Authors: Karen Cardwell; Susan M Smith; Barbara Clyne; Laura McCullagh; Emma Wallace; Ciara Kirke; Tom Fahey; Frank Moriarty Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2020-06-28 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Thilini Sudeshika; Mark Naunton; Gregory M Peterson; Louise S Deeks; Jackson Thomas; Sam Kosari Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-22 Impact factor: 3.390