Community pharmacists: members or bystanders of the primary care multidisciplinary team?. Issue 1 (16th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weiss, Marjorie C; Grey, Elisabeth; Family, Hannah; Tsuyuki, Ross; Sutton, Jane
• Is Part Of: Journal of pharmaceutical health services research. Volume 9:Issue 1(2018:Mar.)
• Page Start: 67
• Page End: 69
• Publication Date: 2018-01-16
• Subjects: community pharmacy -- general practice -- practice nurse -- primary care team -- team working; Pharmacy -- Research -- Periodicals; Drugs -- Research -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Research -- Periodicals; Public health -- Research -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical industry -- Periodicals; Health Services Research -- Periodicals; Economics, Pharmaceutical -- Periodicals; 615.1072
• DOI: 10.1111/jphs.12214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-8885

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: This study investigated who community pharmacists (CPs), general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses (PNs) included in their multidisciplinary team (MDT), whether they felt part of the MDT, barriers and facilitators to multidisciplinary working and whether the extent of the CPs' clinical role influenced being part of a MDT. Methods: Survey to CPs, GPs and PNs in south England. Participants were recruited using social media, journal ads and face-to-face visits/phone calls using NHS and professional networks. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses and content analysis for open text. Key Findings: Two hundred and fourteen GPs, 147 PNs and 162 CPs responded. Nearly, all PNs (98%) and GPs (99%) considered themselves part of a MDT compared to 78% of CPs. Working in isolation, lack of time and a lack of information sharing were the most common reasons for not feeling part of a MDT. The extent of the CPs' clinical role was not related to feeling part of a MDT. Conclusions: Greater investment is needed in the structures to support multidisciplinary working in terms of time and resources, as well as a greater awareness of MDT members' roles and potential contribution.