Pharmacists' Perceptions of the Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Clinical Pharmacy Key Performance Indicators

Abstract

BackgroundIn hospitals around the world, there has been no consensus regarding which clinical activities a pharmacist should focus on until recently. In 2011, a Canadian clinical pharmacy key performance indicator (cpKPI) collaborative was formed. The goal of the collaborative was to advance pharmacy practice in order to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care provided to patients by hospital pharmacists. Following a literature review, which indicated that pharmacists can improve patient outcomes by carrying out specific activities, and an evidence-informed consensus process, a final set of eight cpKPIs were established. Canadian hospitals leading the cpKPI initiative are currently in the early stages of implementing these indicators.ObjectiveTo explore pharmacists' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of cpKPIs.MethodsClinical pharmacists employed by the Nova Scotia Health Authority were invited to participate in focus groups. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed, and data was analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsThree focus groups, including 26 pharmacists, were conducted in February 2015. Three major themes were identified. Resisting the change was comprised of documentation challenges, increased workload, practice environment constraints, and competing priorities. Embracing cpKPIs was composed of seeing the benefit, demonstrating value, and existing supports. Navigating the unknown was made up of quality versus quantity battle, and insights into the future.ConclusionsAlthough pharmacists were challenged by documentation and other changes associated with the implementation of cpKPIs, they demonstrated significant support for cpKPIs and were able to see benefits of the implementation. Pharmacists came up with suggestions for overcoming resistance associated with the implementation of cpKPIs and provided insights into the future of pharmacy practice. The identification of barriers and facilitators to cpKPI implementation will be used to inform the implementation process on a local and national level.

Pharmacist perceptions on the need for a quality guidance resource for pharmacy service provision in the neonatal intensive care unit: comparison between Poland and Australia

“…It is important to note that pharmacists from both countries readily highlighted the potential benefits to the implementation of a quality resource, including allowing pharmacists a full understanding of the roles needed to be undertaken in this setting, improving the standardisation of care, as well as strengthening pharmacist positions on the NICU, particularly in reference to their standing among other members of the multidisciplinary treating team. These findings are similar to those obtained by Minard et al ., who explored the perceived barriers and facilitators towards the use of cpKPIs in general hospital settings in Canada. They highlight that pharmacists perceived the implementation of cpKPIs would improve consistency in pharmacy practice, help align the expectations of other healthcare professionals and allow pharmacists a clear focus of roles and services that need to be performed …”

“…These findings are similar to those obtained by Minard et al ., who explored the perceived barriers and facilitators towards the use of cpKPIs in general hospital settings in Canada. They highlight that pharmacists perceived the implementation of cpKPIs would improve consistency in pharmacy practice, help align the expectations of other healthcare professionals and allow pharmacists a clear focus of roles and services that need to be performed …”

“…When considering the barriers identified by participants towards the implementation of a quality guidance resource, some of our findings were consistent with other research dedicated to identifying challenges affecting the engagement of clinical pharmacy KPIs (cpKPIs) in the hospital setting . Minard et al .…”

“…For consistency, each interview was facilitated by one researcher (NK) using a purpose‐designed interview guide. The interview guide was adapted from a previous study by Minard et al . who used focus groups to identify pharmacist perceptions on the implementation of clinical pharmacy KPIs in hospitals in Canada.…”

Farmácia Clínica Em Ambiente Hospitalar: Enfoque No Registro Das Atividades

“…Neste estudo foi indicado que os desafios relacionados à documentação das atividades, o aumento da carga de trabalho e prioridades concorrentes poderiam ser fatores prejudiciais à implantação. Porém, os profissionais apoiaram e foram capazes de perceber os benefícios da implementação como um passo importante para a consolidação do futuro da prática de farmácia clínica (18) . Outro fator limitante ao registro das atividades em prontuário pode estar ligado à inexperiência destes farmacêuticos em relação à atividade (78,95%).…”