Abstract
Introduction The University of Otago School of Pharmacy Clinic (the Clinic) is a campus-based non-dispensing clinic that offers consultation-based medicines optimisation services to patients.Aim This project aims to understand the experiences and opinions of healthcare providers who have referred patients to the School of Pharmacy Clinic, specifically: their motivation for referring patients; how the Clinic impacts providers, patients and the wider health system; provider satisfaction; and opportunities for further collaboration.Methods Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 15 participants who represented five health professions. An inductive reflexive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the dataset from which codes and themes were developed. Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) was used to structure the interview guide and as a framework to present themes.Results Seven themes were developed; 'Perceptions of Pharmacists' (Coherence), 'Motivators for Engagement' and 'Barriers to Engagement' (Cognitive Participation), 'Utility of Pharmacist Feedback' and 'Opportunities' (Collective Action) and 'Referrers' Experiences' and 'Patient-centred Care' (Reflexive Action).Discussion Healthcare providers described predominantly positive experiences. Medically complex cases and patients requiring medicines education were most likely to be referred for consultation. Engaging with the Clinic presented valuable opportunities for interprofessional collaborative practice and continuing professional education. Referrers would like more regular contact with Clinic pharmacists to encourage interprofessional collaborative relationships. Patients were thought to benefit from their pharmacist's clinical expertise, time, patient-centred approach and subsequent medication and health optimisation. Integration of Clinic pharmacists into specialist outpatient clinics at Dunedin Hospital may broaden the scope and improve efficiency of their services.
What is already known: The first university-based pharmacy clinic in Australasia provides a unique setting for pharmacy care and education in New Zealand. Little is understood about the experiences of healthcare providers who have referred their patient for a consultation at the Clinic or how well the service is meeting their needs. What this study adds: Healthcare providers valued the opportunities for interprofessional collaborative practice and continuing professional education presented by the Clinic. Perceived benefits to patients and the broader healthcare system support the rationale for ongoing service development.