Qualitative interviews with Doctor of Pharmacy Graduates on Care Provision to Patients with Mental Illness after a Psychiatric Rotation

Abstract

Abstract Background: Pharmacists are vital to optimizing therapy of patients with mental illness. However, lack of knowledge in mental health, decreased confidence, and stigma could add to pharmacists’ reluctance to provide pharmaceutical care to patients with mental illness. Advanced Practice Pharmacy Experiences in mental health practice can provide valuable learning opportunities and potentially aid in overcoming these barriers to safe and effective mental health care upon graduation. Aim: This study aims to explore the attitudes of PharmD graduates towards provision of pharmaceutical care to patients with mental illness after undergoing a psychiatric rotation. Methods: A qualitative design was used. PharmD graduates who had completed a psychiatric rotation during their PharmD studies were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed inductively using thematic analysis. Results: Interviews with PharmD graduates revealed five themes that revolved around prior familiarity to mental health, impression of the rotation, views on stigma, barriers to the rotation, and the positive impact of the rotation while in practice. Although participants started the mental health rotation with low confidence and a sense of fear, they described their experience as unique, eye-opening, and insightful. The participants limited knowledge and familiarity with mental health patients and conditions prior to initiating the rotation were perceived as challenges to achieve full confidence in the provision of mental health care during practice. Conclusion: For the most part, APPE rotation in psychiatry was viewed as a positive opportunity for enhancing the PharmD graduates’ insight, knowledge and skills for the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients with mental illness.