Pharmacists in general practice: what do they do? A qualitative case study.

BACKGROUND

Pharmacists working in general practice are a relatively new phenomenon in many European countries. Providing insight into what pharmacists do in general practice may support further implementation of general practice-based pharmacist roles and enhance their contribution to health care.

AIM

To explore the tasks performed by pharmacists in general practice in Sweden.

METHOD

A case study was conducted in 7 general practices in Uppsala County, Sweden, where pharmacists were employed. Activities performed by pharmacists were self-reported during March 2021. Participant observations and semi-structured interviews with pharmacists were conducted between October and November 2021. Self-reported activities were categorised and analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using conventional content analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 174 activities were self-reported by 8 pharmacists. Two pharmacists were observed for 2 days each, and 6 pharmacists were interviewed. Their main task was conducting medication reviews in older patients with polypharmacy. In addition, they handled a broad variety of drug-related questions and treatment follow-up. Pharmacists described working in a more efficient and needs-based manner over time. They stressed that working at the practice increased their accessibility to and their collaborative work with other healthcare professionals, and enabled them to meet patients face-to-face. Future challenges include defining tasks more clearly, assuming greater responsibility for patient care, and meeting the growing demand for pharmacists in general practice.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacists in general practice in Sweden perform a broad variety of tasks related to identifying, resolving and preventing drug-related problems, mainly in older patients with polypharmacy.