A qualitative study exploring the self-reported training and education needs of primary care pharmacists with a recent background in community pharmacy

Abstract

Background Pharmacists are an increasing part of the primary care health care team in Scotland. Recruitment to this expanding sector has largely come from community pharmacy. However, it is unknown if these pharmacists require specific training needs to fulfil their role within the primary care team. Aim To explore the training needs of primary care pharmacists who had joined the sector from community pharmacy in the last 6-24 months. Method Eight pharmacists across Scotland’s largest regional health board participated in a one off, recorded, semi-structured interview via Microsoft Teams®. Recordings were transcribed, verified, and thematic analysis then undertaken. Result Eight participants (5 female, 3 male, median age 32) were interviewed. Five themes were identified: challenging transition, transferable skills, transferable training from community pharmacy, training needs for primary care role, and benefits of structured learning. Participants reported lack of opportunity to apply their clinical knowledge and for professional development in community pharmacy. Themes were consistent across the range of gender, age and professional experience in pharmacists interviewed. Conclusion Primary care pharmacists in our study reported a range of needs (such as examination skills, improved clinical and therapeutics knowledge) required to practice in primary care. Previous sectors of work should be taken into consideration when inducting pharmacists into the new role and background specific inductions may need to be implemented to support these pharmacists work autonomously at an advanced level.