‘We’re just seen as people that give out the methadone…’: exploring the role of community pharmacists in the opioid substitution treatment team

Abstract

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTIONPeople receiving opioid substitution treatment are a vulnerable population who experience significant health inequities and stigma, but have regular interactions with community pharmacists. Many pharmacists now work collaboratively with other health providers to ensure effective and safe use of medicines, as well as being involved in the prevention and management of chronic health conditions. AIMTo explore the role of New Zealand community pharmacists in the provision of opioid substitution treatment and how they perceive their role as part of the wider opioid substitution treatment team. METHODSSemi-structured video interviews with a purposive sample of 13 diverse pharmacists explored their current practices in providing opioid substitution treatment, and their perceived role in the treatment team. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTSThis study found that pharmacists are providing accessible support to a population with known barriers to accessing health care. However, participants also identified challenges with communication and a perceived lack of understanding of the pharmacist role as barriers to collaboration with the wider opioid substitution treatment team. DISCUSSIONCollaboration within health-care teams has been shown to improve health outcomes, and pharmacists are well placed to provide health-care services as well as offer valuable insight into clients’ mental and physical wellbeing. Improved communication channels that facilitate information sharing, as well as the opioid substitution treatment team’s recognition of a pharmacist’s role, may facilitate collaboration and, in turn, improve the quality of health care provided to this vulnerable population.