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International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy

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01-10-2021 | Care | ESCP Best Practice

Clinical pharmacists in Dutch general practice: an integrated care model to provide optimal pharmaceutical care

Authors: Ankie Hazen, Vivianne Sloeserwij, Bart Pouls, Anne Leendertse, Han de Gier, Marcel Bouvy, Niek de Wit, Dorien Zwart

Published in: International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Background Medication-related harm is a major problem in healthcare. New models of integrated care are required to guarantee safe and efficient use of medication. Aim To prevent medication-related harm by integrating a clinical pharmacist in the general practice team. This best practice paper provides an overview of 1. the development of this function and the integration process and 2. its impact, measured with quantitative and qualitative analyses. Setting Ten general practices in the Netherlands. Development and implementation of the (pragmatic) experiment We designed a 15-month workplace-based post-graduate learning program to train pharmacists to become clinical pharmacists integrated in general practice teams. In close collaboration with general practitioners, clinical pharmacists conduct clinical medication reviews (CMRs), hold patient consultations for medication-related problems, carry out quality improvement projects and educate the practice staff. As part of the Pharmacotherapy Optimisation through Integration of a Non-dispensing pharmacist in a primary care Team (POINT) intervention study, ten pharmacists worked full-time in general practices for 15 months and concurrently participated in the training program. Evaluation of this integrated care model included both quantitative and qualitative analyses of the training program, professional identity formation and effectiveness on medication safety. Evaluation The integrated care model improved medication safety: less medication-related hospitalisations occurred compared to usual care (rate ratio 0.68 (95% CI: 0.57–0.82)). Essential hereto were the workplace-based training program and full integration in the GP practices: this supported the development of a new professional identity as clinical pharmacist. This new caregiver proved to align well with the general practitioner. Conclusion A clinical pharmacist in general practice proves a feasible integrated care model to improve the quality of drug therapy.

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Title: Clinical pharmacists in Dutch general practice: an integrated care model to provide optimal pharmaceutical care
Authors: Ankie Hazen
Vivianne Sloeserwij
Bart Pouls
Anne Leendertse
Han de Gier
Marcel Bouvy
Niek de Wit
Dorien Zwart
Publication date: 01-10-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Care
Published in: International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 2210-7703
Electronic ISSN: 2210-7711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-021-01304-4

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