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. 2023 Feb;45(1):97-107.
doi: 10.1007/s11096-022-01482-9. Epub 2022 Oct 28.

Long-term care professionals' views on pharmacists: a qualitative study using Role Theory

J R Gonçalves  1 , Joana F Santos  2 , Mário A Bergarno  2 , Betsy L Sleath  3 , Afonso M Cavaco  4
Affiliations

Long-term care professionals' views on pharmacists: a qualitative study using Role Theory

J R Gonçalves et al. Int J Clin Pharm. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Qualitative research investigating pharmacists' participation in Long-Term Care (LTC) within interdisciplinary teams is scarce.

Aim: To characterize how pharmacists' participation in a national network of LTC is perceived by healthcare professionals and other key stakeholders.

Method: Individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews of participants (nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and LTC researchers) enrolled purposively or through snowballing sampling techniques, with the final sample being comprised of fourteen participants. Data analysis followed a deductive coding approach framed by Role Theory and supplemented with an inductive coding for additional themes.

Results: Four Role Theory constructs were identified from the primary data-role identity, overqualification, ambiguity, underqualification. Clinical pharmacy services, logistics and educational activities were pointed out as representing the identity of pharmacists' interventions. Despite the clear identification of LTC pharmacists' interventions, pharmacist expertise on medicine optimization seemed to be underused (role overqualification), as a result of lack of time, lower proactivity in healthcare teams' integration, and the absence of a legal framework targeted to LTC pharmacy practice (role ambiguity). Additional clinical training, including in the management of older people's health conditions, nutrition, and palliative care were missing (role underqualification).

Conclusion: LTC pharmacists can provide essential services (e.g., clinical pharmacy, logistics, educational interventions), although additional training and a clearer legal framework are missing to better define pharmacists' roles in LTC pharmacy practice.

Keywords: Interprofessional relations; Long-term care; Nursing homes; Pharmacists; Qualitative research; Role Theory.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Conceptual map of the relationships between themes, sub-themes, and minor themes
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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