Original Research
Monday, October 14, 2024
01:00 PM–02:30 PM
Abstract
Introduction:
Ambulatory care pharmacists help manage chronic conditions, optimize medication therapy, and provide patient education. Yet, there is limited research on their day-to-day roles and responsibilities as members of the interprofessional healthcare team. This study generates new knowledge about ambulatory care pharmacists by exploring key stresses and successes.
Research Question or Hypothesis: What are the primary stresses and successes experienced by ambulatory care pharmacists across multiple health systems?
Study Design: This study employed an exploratory, interview-based qualitative research design.
Methods: Twenty-one pharmacists participated in digitally recorded semi-structured interviews of 20-30 minutes via videoconference software. Interviews were transcribed for later analysis. Analysis proceeded inductively and iteratively through successive reading and discussion to build a codebook of common themes. These themes, represented by codes, were then grouped into larger categories to identify patterns of meaning across all transcripts. Additional steps were taken to maximize validity and minimize bias, including consensus building among interdisciplinary team members, creation of a methodological “audit trail,” and presentation of results to a team member who did not participate in the coding process.
Results: Our analysis revealed several key stresses and successes. Interviewees faced a high workload that often exceeded 40 hours/week, and they had to balance time and resource management. They were also keenly aware of the status differential between themselves and medical doctors and often felt they had to prove their worth. Despite these stresses, interviewees found joy in building trusting patient relations, improving their patients’ health, and acting as part of a care team.
Conclusion: This exploratory study reveals the nature of ambulatory care pharmacists’ stresses and success. Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing the role of ambulatory care pharmacists in healthcare systems and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Presenting Author
Allison Hursman PharmDEssentia Health
Authors
Jada Ford Anthropology student
North Dakota State University
Rylie Johnson PharmD Candidate
North Dakota State University
Lauren Lowe Anthropology student
North Dakota State University
Emily Parry PharmD
Ellen Rubinstein PhD
North Dakota State University
Kimaria Stevenson Anthropology student
North Dakota State University
Taylor Thooft PharmD
Essentia Health