Pharmacist peer coaching in a traditional community chain pharmacy: Implementation and perceptions

Abstract

Objective: To determine pharmacists' perceptions of peer coaching techniques designed to enhance pharmacists' provision of targeted medication reviews for adherence in traditional chain community pharmacies.

Methods: A peer coaching method was designed and implemented by a community-based pharmacy resident. Pharmacies within a traditional community chain were selected from a region that spans parts of western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. Individualized peer coaching was provided face-to-face with pharmacists within pharmacy workflow. After the full coaching intervention was complete, semi-structured interviews with coached pharmacists were conducted to qualitatively assess their perceived impact of the coaching. Interviews were conducted by a member of the investigative team to limit bias. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and then they underwent full thematic analysis.

Results: Five major themes were elicited from the coached pharmacists' interviews: (1) tailor coaching to pharmacist skill level, (2) empower pharmacists with strategies to conduct clinical interventions and self-assess, (3) teach patient engagement strategies, (4) include all team members to promote engagement, and (5) utilize peer coach's experience with the intervention.

Conclusion: Themes from this project can help guide the implementation of peer coaching programs in community pharmacies. Effective peer coaching is an important approach to increase the uptake and effectiveness of a variety of community pharmacist-led enhanced patient care services.