An evaluation of mental health clinical pharmacist prescribers within primary care medical practices in NHS Highland.

MacLure, Katie; Stewart, Derek; Buist, E.; McLelland, R.; Shaw, T.; MacLure, A.; Cunningham, Scott; MacAskill, K.; Rushworth, Gordon F.

Abstract

Background: A pilot has been conducted during which a specialist mental health clinical pharmacist prescriber (SMHCPP) consulted with patients by appointment at one of two GP Practices. Purpose: To evaluate the SMHCPP delivered pharmaceutical care to patients with anxiety disorders and/or depression in NHS Highland. Methods: Both pharmacists handed out a study pack to patients. Patient study packs included a questionnaire based on the CARE Measure plus 5-point Likert scale attitudinal statements all subject to statistical analysis. Ethical approval had been gained. Results: Eleven of 70 surveys were returned (response rate 16%) with an even gender split. Most were employed (n=9). Wellbeing was good (n=3), fair (n=6) or poor (n=2). All (n=11) thought the pharmacist excellent at 'making you feel at ease', 'really listening', 'being interested in you as a whole person', 'showing care and compassion', 'being positive', 'explaining things clearly'. Most said the pharmacist was excellent at 'letting you tell your story' (n=10), 'fully understanding your concerns' (n=10), 'helping you take control' (n=9) and 'making a plan of action with you' (n=8). All (n=11) strongly agreed/agreed they were 'confident that a pharmacist will prescribe as safely as a GP' also that they wanted their 'pharmacist and doctor to work together to make sure I am receiving the best treatment'. However, 'given the choice, I prefer to consult a GP rather than a pharmacist' half (n=5) were unsure, some strongly agreed (n=1)/agreed (n=1) but others strongly disagreed (n=2)/disagreed (n=2). Conclusions: Overall, this small sample from a difficult to reach population were positive about care they received from the SMHCPP.

Citation

MACLURE, K., STEWART, D., BUIST, E., MCLELLAND, R., SHAW, T., MACLURE, A., CUNNINGHAM, S., MACASKILL, K. and RUSHWORTH, G. 2018. An evaluation of mental health clinical pharmacist prescribers within primary care medical practices in NHS Highland. Presented at the 47th European symposium on clinical pharmacy: personalised pharmacy care, 24-26 October 2018, Belfast, UK.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: 47th European symposium on clinical pharmacy (ESCP 2018): personalised pharmacy care
• Start Date: Oct 24, 2018
• End Date: Oct 26, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 18, 2019
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Mental health clinical pharmacist prescriber; Mental health; GP Practices; Survey
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/249041