Collaborative discussions between GPs and pharmacists to optimise patient medication: a qualitative study within a UK primary care clinical trial

Parslow, Roxanne; Duncan, Lorna J; Caddick, Barbara; Chew-Graham, Carolyn A; Turner, Katrina; Payne, Rupert A; Mann, Cindy; Guthrie, Bruce; Blair, Peter; McCahon, Deborah

Abstract

There has been significant investment in pharmacists working in UK general practice to improve the effective and safe use of medicines. However, evidence of how to optimise collaboration between GPs and pharmacists in the context of polypharmacy (multiple medication) is lacking. To explore GP and pharmacist views and experiences of in-person, inter-professional collaborative discussions (IPCDs) as part of a complex intervention to optimise medication use for patients with polypharmacy in general practice. A mixed-method process evaluation embedded within the Improving Medicines use in People with Polypharmacy in Primary Care (IMPPP) trial conducted in Bristol and the West Midlands. Audio-recordings of IPCDs between GPs and pharmacists, and individual semi-structured interviews exploring their reflections on these discussions. All recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Fourteen practices took part in the process evaluation (Feb 2021- Sept 2023). Seventeen IPCD meetings were audio recorded discussing 30 patients (range of 1-6 patients per meeting). Six GPs and 13 pharmacists were interviewed. The IPCD was highly valued by GPs and pharmacists who described benefits including: strengthening their working relationship; learning from each other; and gaining in confidence to manage more complex patients. It was often challenging, however, to find time for the IPCDs. The model of IPCD studied provided protected time for GPs and pharmacists to work together to deliver whole-patient care, with both professions finding this beneficial. Protected time for inter-professional liaison and collaboration, and structured interventions may facilitate improved patient care. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2024, The Authors.]

Citation

Parslow, R., Duncan, L. J., Caddick, B., Chew-Graham, C. A., Turner, K., Payne, R. A., Mann, C., Guthrie, B., Blair, P., & McCahon, D. (in press). Collaborative discussions between GPs and pharmacists to optimise patient medication: a qualitative study within a UK primary care clinical trial. British Journal of General Practice (BJGP), https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2024.0190

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 21, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Aug 9, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 9, 2024
• Journal: The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
• Print ISSN: 0960-1643
• Electronic ISSN: 1478-5242
• Publisher: Royal College of General Practitioners
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2024.0190
• Keywords: pharmacists, qualitative, general practice, polypharmacy, general practitioners, medication reviews, medicines optimisation
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/878286