Medicine optimisation in community pharmacy: Helping patients to make the most of medicines

Summary

Motivation

Medicine optimisation is a crucial aspect of healthcare, aiming to enhance patient outcomes by ensuring the effective and safe use of medications [1]. This process involves a comprehensive approach to medication management, considering factors such as the appropriateness of drug selection, dosage adjustments, and potential interactions [2]. The goal is to tailor medication regimens to individual patient needs, promoting therapeutic efficacy while minimising adverse effects [3].

Pharmacists play a key role in guiding patients through the intricacies of their medication regimens, fostering understanding, and adherence [4]. Patients participate actively in their treatment by engaging in shared decision-making, promoting a more personalised and effective healthcare experience [5]. This collaborative effort aligns with the principles of patient-centred care, emphasising communication, education, and continuous monitoring to optimise treatment outcomes. Medicine optimisation is particularly relevant in managing chronic conditions, where long-term medication adherence is crucial [6].

Underlying aim

The aim of the current study is:

*  to understand the patient’s experience and the outcomes from medicines managing their conditions

* to ensure that the most appropriate choice of clinically and cost-effective medicines is provided to the patients

*  to ensure pharmacists make medicines use as safe as possible

*  to ensure whether pharmacists make medicines optimisation as part of their routine practice.

Specific research questions/Methodology

1. Do patients take medicine as recommended by the pharmacist?
2. Do patients obtain clinically and economically effective medicine?
3. Do pharmacists ensure patient safety while supplying medicines?
4. Do pharmacists ensure the best outcomes from medicines through interprofessional practice?

Methodology

This study adopts a convergent parallel mixed methods design (QUAN + QUAL) involving surveys and in-depth interviews

Quantitative Phase: A survey will be distributed to community pharmacists across Northern Ireland to quantify their perceptions and practices related to medicine optimisation. The survey will include questions designed to assess various aspects of pharmacists’ roles in medication management, including their adherence to best practices, perceived barriers, and facilitators. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and linear regression, will be conducted to explore relationships between these factors and the implementation of medicine optimisation strategies.

Qualitative Phase: In-depth interviews will be conducted with a purposively selected sample of community pharmacists. These sessions will explore into pharmacists' experiences with medicine optimisation, their perceptions of barriers and facilitators in practice, and suggestions for enhancing patient care and safety. Thematic analysis will be applied to identify key themes and insights within the qualitative data, providing a richer understanding of the factors influencing medicine optimisation in community pharmacy settings.

Impact

This study on community pharmacists' medicine optimisation is aligned with the UK Research Excellence Framework 2028 (REF 2028). This research seeks to address a critical need in the healthcare system, focusing on improving patient safety culture within community pharmacies. It aims to integrate seamlessly with REF 2028 by contributing to several key areas of evaluation and assessment. Firstly, the study aligns with REF 2028's emphasis on research's societal and economic impact. Exploring and enhancing patient safety practices in community pharmacies, directly impacts the quality of healthcare delivery, potentially reducing medication errors, and ultimately improving patient well-being. This research may provide valuable insights that can inform tailored interventions and training programs, which align with REF 2028's focus on knowledge exchange and impact beyond academia.

Secondly, this study may contribute to the REF 2028's goal of fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Exploring the medicine optimisation roles of community pharmacists, it offers evidence-based insights that can be used to develop policies, guidelines, and regulatory frameworks. These outcomes support the development of safer patient care practices within the pharmacy profession and align with REF 2028's objective of promoting accountability and best healthcare practices. Finally, this research aligns with REF 2028's ambitions by directly addressing healthcare quality and safety, offering tangible societal benefits, and contributing to the ongoing improvement and accountability within the healthcare profession, ultimately enhancing the research impact of UK institutions participating in the REF 2028 evaluation.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility