Physician perceptions of pharmacist-provided medication therapy management: qualitative analysis

Abstract

Objective: To identify physician perceptions of community pharmacist-provided medication therapy management (MTM).

Methods: Three focus groups consisting of family and internal medicine physicians were conducted in Pittsburgh, York, and Philadelphia, PA, using a semistructured topic guide to facilitate discussions. Each participant completed an exit survey at session conclusion.

Results: 23 physicians participated in one of three focus groups conducted in Pittsburgh (n = 9), York (n = 6), and Philadelphia (n = 8). Participants identified common medication issues in their practices: nonadherence, adverse effects, drug interactions, medication costs, and incomplete patient understanding of the medication regimen. Receipt of a complete patient medication list was reported as the greatest potential benefit of MTM. Participants believed that physicians would be better suited as MTM providers than pharmacists. Concerns identified were the mechanism of pharmacist payment, reimbursement of time spent by physicians to coordinate care, and the training/preparation of the pharmacist. The need for a trusting relationship between a patient's primary care physician and the pharmacists providing MTM was identified.

Conclusion: This study provides information to assist pharmacists when approaching physicians to propose collaboration through MTM. Pharmacists should tell physicians that they will receive an updated patient medication list after each visit and emphasize that direct communication is essential to coordinate care.