Enhancing the Role of Community Pharmacists in Medication Safety: A Qualitative Study of Voices from the Frontline

Abstract

Preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) remain a significant threat in community settings, a challenge that is critical in community pharmacy settings where continuity of care and healthcare access can be limited. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of 13 community pharmacists through focus groups and interviews to identify barriers and propose solutions to enhance their role in patient care. Pharmacists emphasized their critical position in ensuring safe medication use, particularly for older adults managing multiple chronic conditions. Key findings revealed five themes: (1) defining medication safety as minimizing risk and empowering patients; (2) characteristics of the "perfect patient," including medication awareness and proactive engagement; (3) the pharmacist's role in detecting and resolving medication-related problems; (4) systemic barriers such as time constraints, lack of access to patient records, insufficient privacy, and undervaluation of pharmacists' roles; and (5) proposed solutions including private counseling areas, increased staffing, integrated electronic health records, and legislative recognition of pharmacists as healthcare providers. Strengthening collaboration with physicians and empowering patients through education were also highlighted as key strategies. These findings underscore the need for systemic changes-especially in light of lessons learned during the pandemic-to support pharmacists in delivering comprehensive medication management and improving patient safety.

Keywords: adverse drug events; community pharmacists; medication safety; medication therapy management (MTM); patient engagement; qualitative research.