Journal of the American Pharmacists Association
Research NotesPhysician perceptions of pharmacist-provided medication therapy management: Qualitative analysisDisclosure,Acknowledgments,Funding,Previous presentations
Section snippets
Design
Three physician focus groups were conducted in market research facilities in Pittsburgh, York, and Philadelphia, PA. Geographic locations were chosen to provide a diversity of participants from urban, suburban, and rural locations and were limited by facility location. Facilitators with experience leading focus groups conducted the 2-hour sessions, which were audio recorded and transcribed. The resulting text was analyzed using qualitative methods.13–17 This study was approved by the University
Results
A total of 23 primary care physicians participated in one of three focus groups conducted in Pittsburgh (n = 9), York (n = 6), and Philadelphia (n = 8). Participant demographic characteristics are summarized in Table 2. The majority of participants were male (83%) family medicine (61%) physicians in private practice (91%).
The results of the exit survey are presented in Table 2. Of 23 participants, 4 (17%) currently work side-by-side with pharmacists to optimize patient care. The majority of
Discussion
An overwhelming finding across all groups was the lack of understanding of MTM by physician participants. The Pittsburgh group was uniquely negative overall because some participants stated false information regarding MTM and other participants reacted to this misinformation. This response emphasizes a need for clear communication about the mechanics of MTM. In the two other groups, physicians wanted more information about MTM. Despite the verbal and written description of MTM, participants
Limitations
This study involved primary care physicians from Pennsylvania in the context of its health maintenance organizations, insurance payers, pharmacy law, and medical law; conditions may differ in other states. Participants were in practice on average greater than 20 years. Future research on a broader scope should include generalists and specialists with practices across the country and in various stages of practice.
During the first focus group (Pittsburgh), false information regarding MTM from one
Conclusion
These study results reveal that pharmacists must clearly explain MTM and demonstrate their ability to provide medication-related patient care. Pharmacists should discuss the physician–pharmacist relationship in person, detail their clinical training, and demonstrate competence. Community pharmacists may propose a defined trial period to meet with patients in the physician's office. Above all, pharmacists must build a trusting relationship with physicians in order to provide enhanced patient
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- Disclosure
The authors declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests in any product or service mentioned in this article, including grants, employment, gifts, stock holdings, or honoraria.
- Acknowledgments
To the Pennsylvania Medical Society for organizational support. Also to Shelby Corman, PharmD, for serving as research mentor; Jaqueline Farrell, PharmD, for assisting with data collection; Coleen Kayden, BPharm, and Cynthia A. Sanoski, PharmD, for serving as project mentors during data collection; and Teresa McKaveney for assisting in preparing the manuscript.
- Funding
American Pharmacists Association Foundation and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation, Inc.
- Previous presentations
American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, March 16, 2008, and 2008 Eastern States Pharmacy Residency Conference, Hershey, PA, April 30, 2008.