Pharmacists' Perspectives on Providing Chronic Disease Management Services in the Community — Part I: Current Practice Environment

Abstract

Background: Several practice models have been developed to support pharmacists in providing chronic disease management. However, most of these models have not been readily accepted by pharmacists, which has led to low uptake and short-term change. Methods: Pharmacists were recruited to participate in focus groups held in Alberta and British Columbia. Qualitative methodologies involving a phenomenological approach with content analysis were used to gather and analyze information. Results: In total, 36 pharmacists participated in 8 focus groups. Analysis of their discussions revealed 4 main themes: the current practice environment and the need for education about, remuneration for and a plan for the implementation of chronic disease management services. Participants cited several challenges to the provision of this type of care, as experienced in the current practice environment: time constraints; relationships with physicians, patients and employers; limited access to clinical information; and absence of a model for chronic disease management in pharmacy practice. However, these perceptions were not universal, and pharmacists with experience in this area described some of these commonly cited “challenges” (e.g., relationships with physicians) as enablers in their own practices. In addition, staff pharmacists, regional managers and owners often had differing opinions about the key challenges and the role of remuneration. Conclusion: Some of the perceived challenges to providing chronic disease management described by staff pharmacists were not consistently supported by employers or those with experience in this practice area. This observation suggests that the greatest challenge to developing a successful model of chronic disease management for pharmacists lies in pharmacists' own perceptions about their relationships with other health care providers and their own role as health care professionals. These issues must be addressed if the practice of pharmacy is to move forward.