The Creation of a Practice-Based Network of Pharmacists Working in Family Medicine Groups (FMG)

Abstract

A needs assessment study of pharmacists working in family medicine groups (FMG) demonstrated the necessity to build a practice-based network. This network would foster a faster integration into FMG and a more efficient collaborative practice. It would also take advantage of an existing practice-based research network (PBRN)—the STAT (Soutien Technologique pour l’Application et le Transfert des pratiques novatrices en pharmacie) network. A working group of nine FMG pharmacists from the different regions of the province of Quebec, Canada, and a committee of partners, including the key pharmacy organizations, were created. Between January 2018 and May 2019, nine meetings took place to discuss the needs assessment results and deploy an action plan. The practice-based network first year activities allowed identifying pharmacists working in FMGs across the province. A directory of these pharmacists was published on the STAT network. The vision, mission, mandate, name («Réseau Québécois des Pharmaciens GMF») and logo were developed. The first few activities include: Bi-monthly newsletters; a mentorship program; short evidence-based therapeutic letters (pharmacotherapeutic capsules) and a start-up kit to facilitate integration of these pharmacists. The Quebec FMG pharmacist practice-based network has been launched. It is planned to evaluate the members’ satisfaction in late Spring 2020 with regards to activities and resources provided.

Pharmacists practising in family medicine groups: What are their activities and needs?

“…The reason for this lack of intraprofessional collaboration (mostly from community pharmacists to FMG pharmacists) could be that community pharmacists have little knowledge of the FMG in which a pharmacist is practising. One of the first tools developed by the practice‐based network is a directory of all FMG pharmacists with their contact information in the FMG . Better intraprofessional collaboration could improve continuity of care, cut short the duplication of care and facilitate the transfer of activities that can be performed in community pharmacies.…”

“…Hazen et al also observed that formal training days with peers were highly valued to counterbalance the lack of a role model in the workplace. The practice‐based network will develop a mentorship programme to better support pharmacists and to increase their confidence in their capacity to play their role optimally . Tools to communicate pharmacists' competencies to other team members and to promote the role of pharmacists in the FMG are under development.…”

“…The practice-based network will develop a mentorship programme to better support pharmacists and to increase their confidence in their capacity to play their role optimally. 20…”

“…8 We took advantage of a practice-based research network of pharmacists (Reseau STAT: www.resea ustat.ca) to develop a network of FMG pharmacists that could provide this support. 20 Practice-based research networks are 'groups of primary care clinicians and practices…”

“…It is also well documented that this type of practice change can be challenging and joining a practice support network is strongly recommended to ease integration . We took advantage of a practice‐based research network of pharmacists (Reseau STAT: http://www.reseaustat.ca) to develop a network of FMG pharmacists that could provide this support . Practice‐based research networks are ‘groups of primary care clinicians and practices working together to answer community‐based health care questions and translate research findings into practice’ .…”