Expanded practice in rural community pharmacy in Australia: pharmacists’ perspectives

Abstract

Background: Pharmacists internationally have successfully expanded their role to provide service delivery to remote rural communities. Aim: This study evaluated Australian rural community pharmacists' perspectives of expanded services, to identify priorities, areas of concern, enablers and barriers to their implementation. Method: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to rural and remote Australian (all states and territories) pharmacists between September and December 2019; respondents were asked to rank health issues and the expanded pharmacy services that could potentially address these issues in their communities. Questions were also included to evaluate health service accessibility, skills/knowledge, workspace limitations, time and support for the implementation of these services. Potential associations between demographic factors and responses were also assessed. Results: Of the 92 returned responses analysed, the top three heath concerns were: Mental health, Cardiovascular disease and Diabetes. Depression screening/referral, diabetes management and vaccinations were the top three areas rated for expanded services. There was agreement (90%; 83/92) that pharmacists had the skills and knowledge for implementation, while time and space were reported as barriers for 50% (46/92) and 25% (23/92) of pharmacists, respectively. The majority of the pharmacists (80%; 74/92) felt services were not easily accessible, and all (92/92, 100%) agreed that service provision would improve community health outcomes. Conclusion: Rural pharmacists were supportive of the delivery of expanded pharmacy services, describing improved health outcomes and increased access to health services as potential benefits. Successful implementation of these expanded services would require both an understanding of pharmacist resources available and local community health needs.

Developing an Ear Health Intervention for Rural Community Pharmacy: Application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model

“…We identified potential factors that would need to be modified to effect change in ear care services in community pharmacy. These factors were identified based on discussions with stakeholders, rural pharmacists and community leaders, recent research and a review of the literature [ 8 , 15 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Existing consumer outcome expectations when presenting to community pharmacies with an ear complaint were identified as either a product recommendation or verbal referral to a GP or emergency department.…”

“…Scoping and systematic reviews and studies including both qualitative and quantitative methods, involving community consultation with the public and health professionals, who work in rural and remote locations in Australia were undertaken in this component of the application [ 8 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], Table 1 provides the components of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model in the context of LISTEN UP.…”

“…Phase 1–5: Data collected included questionnaires completed by stakeholders including consumers, pharmacists and health professionals [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Expanded pharmacy services were ranked by participants, the level of support for expanded pharmacy services was explored and consumers’ willingness to pay for services examined [ 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

“…Phase 1–5: Data collected included questionnaires completed by stakeholders including consumers, pharmacists and health professionals [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Expanded pharmacy services were ranked by participants, the level of support for expanded pharmacy services was explored and consumers’ willingness to pay for services examined [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Interviews were conducted with pharmacists and stakeholders to further explore perceptions, and barriers and enablers to expanded pharmacy services, specifically relating to ear services [ 20 , 21 ].…”

“…A descriptive analysis of questionnaire data, a thematic analysis of interview transcripts and a review of consultation data were undertaken [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”