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. 2020 Nov 16;154(1):42-51.
doi: 10.1177/1715163520968120. eCollection 2021 Jan-Feb.

Pharmacists' experiences with the Bloom Program application process

Andrea L Murphy  1 , Lisa M Jacobs  2 , David M Gardner  3
Affiliations

Pharmacists' experiences with the Bloom Program application process

Andrea L Murphy et al. Can Pharm J (Ott). .

Abstract

Background: The Bloom Program, which began as a demonstration project, is an ongoing community pharmacy-based mental illness and addictions program funded by the government of Nova Scotia. To be eligible to offer the Bloom Program, interested pharmacists were required to complete a 9-part application on behalf of their pharmacies. A process evaluation was conducted to inform future program implementation changes of program components, including the application process.

Methods: Qualitative interviews from 24 pharmacists were inductively analyzed to determine the challenges and opportunities in the program's application process.

Results: Key and impactful components of the application process included training, providing a mental health and addictions resource centre within the pharmacy and completing outreach activities with local mental health and addictions services and support organizations. The training content and format for the program was highly valued. Community outreach to local mental health and addictions resources, and other health care resources in the community, was particularly valuable in supporting patient navigation of the health care system and extending the pharmacists' networks. Components of the application process were challenging for many pharmacists but were beneficial personally and professionally. Dedicated resources (e.g., time and staffing) are required for the efficient completion of the application process.

Conclusion: Pharmacists viewed the Bloom Program application process as intensive yet necessary and relevant for preparing to deliver the Program. The demonstration project process evaluation was essential for elucidating the strengths of the application process and, importantly, identifying areas for improvement. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2021;154:xx-xx.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests:The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Examples of Mental Health and Addictions Resource Centres in Bloom Program pharmacies
Figure 2
Figure 2
Number and type of community outreach connections made by Bloom Program pharmacists
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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References

    1. The Bloom Program. Available: http://bloomprogram.ca/ (accessed May 24, 2019).
    1. Together we can: the plan to improve mental health and addictions care for Nova Scotians. Department of Health and Wellness, Government of Nova Scotia, Halifax, NS. Available: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/mental-health/reports/Mental-Health-and-Addict... (accessed May 24, 2019).
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