Influence of a general practice pharmacist on medication management for patients at risk of medicine-related harm: A qualitative evaluation

Abstract

Background and objectiveCertain 'high-risk' medicines, polypharmacy and clinical circumstances place patients at risk of harm. A project piloting an embedded general practice pharmacist (GPP) provided an opportunity to explore the influence of this role on medication management for a target 'at-risk' population, particularly those transitioning through care, from the perspectives of participants. MethodsQualitative data from semi-structured interviews with general practitioners, practice personnel, patients and carers who participated in the pilot were analysed thematically using an iterative and inductive approach. ResultsKey themes identified from 28 participant interviews were enhanced medication and patient safety, collegiality and teamwork, and the pharmacist's influence throughout the continuum of prescribing. Activities highlighted by participants were of deprescribing, interprofessional shared decision making and challenging the prescribing status quo for specific medicines. DiscussionThe study described the successful implementation of an Australian GPP model of care to target patients at risk of medication-related harm, which complemented currently available approaches.