Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A qualitative study exploring the challenges and enablers of pharmacists with a recent background in community pharmacy transitioning into primary care

  • Research Article
  • Published:
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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 have specific needs to perform their role within the primary care team.

Aim

To explore the perceived challenges and enablers of community pharmacists transitioning into primary care pharmacist roles.

Method

Eight pharmacists (5 female, 3 male, median age 32) across Scotland’s largest regional health board who previously practised in community pharmacy participated in a recorded, semi-structured interview via Microsoft Teams® to explore their challenges and enablers of transition into primary care. Recordings were transcribed, verified, and thematic analysis then undertaken.

Results

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.

Conclusion

Pharmacists in our study reported a range of challenges (such as examination skills, improved clinical and therapeutics knowledge) required to practice in primary care, while their regular patient contact and knowledge of community pharmacy workings enabled their transition. Previous sectors of practice should be taken into consideration when inducting pharmacists into a new role and background specific inductions may need to be implemented to support these pharmacists work autonomously at an advanced level.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Pande S, Hiller JE, Nkansah N, et al. The effect of pharmacist-provided non-dispensing services on patient outcomes, health service utilisation and costs in low- and middle-income countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;2013(2):CD010398. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010398.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  2. Weeks G, George J, Maclure K, et al. Non-medical prescribing versus medical prescribing for acute and chronic disease management in primary and secondary care. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;11:CD011227. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011227.pub2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Westerlund T, Marklund B. Community pharmacy and primary health care in Sweden—at a crossroads. Pharm Pract (Granada). 2020;18(2):1927. https://doi.org/10.18549/PharmPract.2020.2.1927.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Rasheed MK, Alqasoumi A, Hasan SS, et al. The community pharmacy practice change towards patient-centered care in Saudi Arabia: a qualitative perspective. J Pharm Policy and Pract. 2020;13(1):59. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40545-020-00267-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Anderson C, Sharma R. Primary health care policy and vision for community pharmacy and pharmacists in England. Pharm Pract (Granada). 2020;18(1):1870. https://doi.org/10.18549/PharmPract.2020.1.1870.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  6. The Scottish Government. The 2018 general medical services contract in Scotland. https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/advice-and-guidance/2017/11/2018-gms-contract-scotland/documents/00527530-pdf/00527530-pdf/govscot%3Adocument/00527530.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  7. Mossialos E, Courtin E, Naci H, et al. From “retailers” to health care providers: Transforming the role of community pharmacists in chronic disease management. Health Policy. 2015;119(5):628–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2015.02.007.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Bryant LJM, Coster G, Gamble GD, et al. General practitioners’ and pharmacists’ perceptions of the role of community pharmacists in delivering clinical services. Res Social Adm Pharm. 2009;5(4):347–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2009.01.002.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Forsyth P, Rushworth GF. Advanced pharmacist practice: where is the United Kingdom in pursuit of this ‘Brave New World’? Int J Clin Pharm. 2021;43(5):1426–30. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-021-01276-5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Rokib T. Pharmacist led care in general practice (PLAGE) study. UK: Pharmacy Research; 2016.

  11. Scott A, Bond C, Inch J, et al. Preferences of community pharmacists for extended roles in primary care: a survey and discrete choice experiment. Pharmacoeconomics. 2007;25(9):783–92. https://doi.org/10.2165/00019053-200725090-00006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Llywodraeth Cymru (Welsh Government). Our plan for a primary care service for wales up to March 2018. http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/986/our%20plan%20for%20primary%20care%20in%20wales%20up%20to%20march%202018.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  13. NHS England. NHS five year forward view. https://www.england.nhs.uk/five-year-forward-view/. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  14. Department of Health Northern Ireland. Investment in general practice report, Northern Ireland 2017/18 to 2021/22. https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/investment-general-practice-report-northern-ireland-201718-202122. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  15. NHS Education for Scotland. Post-Registration Foundation Programme for Pharmacists in Scotland (Prior to Autumn 2021). https://nes.scot.nhs.uk/our-work/post-registration-foundation-programme-for-pharmacists-in-scotland-prior-to-autumn-2021/. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  16. McMillan FJ, Bond C, Inch J, et al. Is the post-registration foundation programme fit for purpose for community pharmacists? An exploration of pharmacist experiences. Int J Pharm Pract. 2022;30(Suppl 1):i14–5. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riac021.020.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Foundation pharmacy framework; 2014. https://www.rpharms.com/Portals/0/RPS%20document%20library/Open%20access/Frameworks/RPS%20Foundation%20Pharmacy%20Framework.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  18. The medicines for human use (prescribing) (miscellaneous amendments) order 2006. SI 2006/915. The national archives. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/915/made. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  19. NHS Education for Scotland. 2021 edition GPCP competency and capability framework. https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/48491. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  20. Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Advanced pharmacy framework (APF). https://www.rpharms.com/Portals/0/RPS%20document%20library/Open%20access/Frameworks/RPS%20Advanced%20Pharmacy%20Framework.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  21. NHS Health Research Authority. Governance arrangements for research ethics committees: 2020 edition. V2.1. https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/www.hra.nhs.uk/media/documents/GAfREC_Final_v2.1_July_2021_Final.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  22. Tong A, Sainsbury P, Craig J. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. Int J Qual Health Care. 2007;19(6):349–57. https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzm042.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Baker S, Edwards R. How many qualitative interviews is enough? Expert voices and early career reflections on sampling and cases in qualitative research. Southampton: National Centre for Research Methods; 2012. p.10. https://eprints.ncrm.ac.uk/2273/4/how_many_interviews.pdf.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Hennink M, Kaiser BN. Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research: a systematic review of empirical tests. Soc Sci Med. 2022;292: 114523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114523.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qual Res Psychol. 2006;3(2):77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Benson H, Lucas C, Williams KA. Establishing consensus for general practice pharmacist education: a Delphi study. Curr Pharm Teach Learn. 2020;12(1):8–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2019.10.010.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Clarke C, Tennant S, Greenlaw N, et al. The cardiology training needs of general practice-based pharmacists. Int J Pharm Pract. 2021;29(3):245–51. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riaa016.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Johnson CF, Earle-Payne K. Identifying mental health training needs of general practice pharmacy workforce to advance practice: a training needs analysis survey. Int J Clin Pharm. 2022;44(6):1454–63. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-022-01486-5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Mills E. A training needs analysis of clinical pharmacists in general practice outside the national pilot. NHS health education England; 2016. https://www.lasepharmacy.hee.nhs.uk/dyn/_assets/_folder4/community-pharmacy/pharmacists-in-gp/TrainingNeedsofClinicalPharmacistsinGeneralPracticeFINAL.pdf. Accessed 27 Jan 2024.

  30. Johnson CF, Smith J, Harrison H, Hassett R. Exploring learning needs for general practice based pharmacist: are behavioural and influencing skills needed? Pharm Pract (Granada). 2020;18(2):1814. https://doi.org/10.18549/PharmPract.2020.2.1814.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Butterworth J, Sansom A, Sims L, et al. Pharmacists’ perceptions of their emerging general practice roles in UK primary care: a qualitative interview study. Br J Gen Pract. 2017;67(662): e650. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp17X691733.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  32. Rodriguez LA, Sana M, Sisk B. Self-administered questions and interviewer-respondent familiarity. Field Methods. 2014;27(2):163–81. https://doi.org/10.1177/1525822X14549315.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Sana M, Stecklov G, Weinreb AA. A test of the stranger-interviewer norm in the Dominican Republic. Popul Stud (Camb). 2016;70(1):73–92. https://doi.org/10.1080/00324728.2016.1139740.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. The Scottish Government. Achieving excellence in pharmaceutical care—a strategy for Scotland. https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/strategy-plan/2017/08/achieving-excellence-pharmaceutical-care-strategy-scotland/documents/00523589-pdf/00523589-pdf/govscot%3Adocument/00523589.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  35. NHS Education for Scotland. Pharmacist career framework review—report of the review advisory group; 2020. https://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/media/vzahxc4w/final-pharmacy-pg-framework-review_v1-1.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  36. Stewart D, Maclure K, Newham R, et al. A cross-sectional survey of the pharmacy workforce in general practice in Scotland. Fam Pract. 2019;37:206-12 https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cmz052.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Pharmacy Schools Council. Pharmacy schools council strategic plan 2017–2021; 2017. https://www.pharmacyschoolscouncil.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/phsc-strategic-plan-2017-2021.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  38. Scottish Government. Pharmacists in Scotland—five-year integrated education programme: scoping report; 2017. https://www.gov.scot/publications/five-year-integrated-initial-education-programme-pharmacists-scotland-scoping-report/. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  39. Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2019/6/enacted. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  40. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. National competency standards framework for pharmacists in Australia; 2016. https://www.psa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/National-Competency-Standards-Framework-for-Pharmacists-in-Australia-2016-PDF-2mb.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  41. National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities. Professional competencies for Canadian pharmacists at entry to practice; 2014. https://napra.ca/pharmacists/professional-competencies-canadian-pharmacists-entry-practice-2014. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  42. Kennie-Kaulbach N, Farrell B, Ward N, et al. Pharmacist provision of primary health care: a modified Delphi validation of pharmacists’ competencies. BMC Fam Pract. 2012;13:27. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-13-27.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  43. International Pharmaceutical Federation. Pharmacy education taskforce. A global competency framework; 2012. https://www.fip.org/files/fip/PharmacyEducation/GbCF_v1.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  44. Bartlett S, Bullock A, Spittle K. ‘I thought it would be a very clearly defined role and actually it wasn’t’: a qualitative study of transition training for pharmacists moving into general practice settings in Wales. BMJ Open. 2021;11(10): e051684. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051684.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  45. Gottlieb M, Chung A, Battaglioli N, et al. Impostor syndrome among physicians and physicians in training: a scoping review. Med Educ. 2020;54(2):116–24. https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.13956.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Matheson C, Reid F, Stewart F, et al. Development of an education and support framework for pharmacists working in GP practice. Int J Pharm Pract. 2020;28(2):191–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpp.12610.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Lynch M, O’Leary AC. Understanding the factors influencing community pharmacist retention—a qualitative study. Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm. 2023;9(12): 100329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100329.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Jorgenson D, Laubscher T, Lyons B, et al. Integrating pharmacists into primary care teams: barriers and facilitators. Int J Pharm Pract. 2013;22(4):292–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpp.12080.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Tan ECK, Stewart K, Elliott RA, et al. Integration of pharmacists into general practice clinics in Australia: the views of general practitioners and pharmacists. Int J Pharm Pract. 2013;22(1):28–37. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpp.12047.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Isenor JE, Cossette B, Murphy AL, et al. Community pharmacists’ expanding roles in supporting patients before and during COVID-19: An exploratory qualitative study. Int J Clin Pharm. 2023;45(1):64–78. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-022-01430-7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Lea VM, Corlett SA, Rodgers RM. Workload and its impact on community pharmacists’ job satisfaction and stress: a review of the literature. Int J Pharm Pract. 2012;20(4):259–71. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7174.2012.00192.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Hashmi FK, Hassali MA, Khalid A, et al. A qualitative study exploring perceptions and attitudes of community pharmacists about extended pharmacy services in Lahore, Pakistan. BMC Health Serv Res. 2017;17(1):500. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-017-2442-6.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  53. Rushworth GF, Innes C, Macdonald A, et al. Development of innovative simulation teaching for advanced general practice clinical pharmacists. Int J Clin Pharm. 2021;43(4):817–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-021-01305-3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Forsyth P, Moir L, Speirits I, et al. Improving medication optimisation in left ventricular systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction. BMJ Open Quality. 2019;8(3): e000676. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2019-000676.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  55. Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Royal College of General Practitioners. Joint policy statement on general practice based pharmacists; 2016. https://www.rpharms.com/Portals/0/RPS%20document%20library/Open%20access/Policy%20statements/rcgps-rps-joint-statement-on-general-practice-based-pharmacists.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

  56. Campbell J, Healey M, Sims L, et al. The pharmacist in primary care—an introduction project report; 2016. https://heestar.e-lfh.org.uk/media/1-the-pharmacist-in-primary-care-an-introduction.pdf Accessed 29 Jan 2024.

Download references

Funding

No specific funding was received.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Glasgow City (South) Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 1St Floor, Pavilion One, Rowan Business Park, 5 Ardlaw Street, Glasgow, G51 3RR, Scotland, UK

    Ian Campbell

  2. Central Prescribing Team, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Clarkston Court, 56 Busby Road, Glasgow, G76 7AT, Scotland, UK

    Heather Harrison

  3. Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

    Amanj Kurdi

  4. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq

    Amanj Kurdi

  5. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Kitab University, Kirkuk, 36015, Iraq

    Amanj Kurdi

  6. School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa

    Amanj Kurdi

Authors
  1. Ian Campbell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Heather Harrison
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Amanj Kurdi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ian Campbell.

Ethics declarations

Conflicts of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary file1 (DOCX 14 KB)

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Campbell, I., Harrison, H. & Kurdi, A. A qualitative study exploring the challenges and enablers of pharmacists with a recent background in community pharmacy transitioning into primary care. Int J Clin Pharm (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-024-01710-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-024-01710-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation