Pharmacist integration into general practice in New Zealand
Robert Haua 1 2 , Jeff Harrison 1 , Trudi Aspden 1
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
1 School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
2 Corresponding author. Email: r.haua@auckland.ac.nz
Journal of Primary Health Care 11(2) 159-169 https://doi.org/10.1071/HC18103
Published: 18 July 2019
Journal Compilation © Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners 2019.
This is an open access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Introduction: Pharmacist integration into general practice is gaining momentum internationally, with benefits noted in reducing medication errors, improving chronic disease management and alleviating general practitioner workforce shortages. Little is known about how general practice pharmacists are working in New Zealand.
Aim: This study characterised the current landscape of pharmacist integration into general practice in New Zealand.
Methods: An online questionnaire was developed, piloted and distributed to all pharmacists in New Zealand.
Results: Thirty-six responses were analysed. Respondents were more likely to be female, have been pharmacists for at least 10 years and all but one held formal postgraduate clinical pharmacy qualifications. Seven pharmacists were working as pharmacist prescribers. Primary health organisations (PHOs) were the most common employer, with funding primarily derived from either PHOs or District Health Boards. Pharmacist integration into general practice appears to have progressed further in particular regions of New Zealand, with most respondents located in the North Island. Tasks performed by respondents included medication reviews, managing long-term conditions and medicines reconciliation. Increased job satisfaction compared with previous roles was reported by most respondents. Funding and a general lack of awareness about pharmacists’ professional scope were seen as barriers to further expansion of the role.
Discussion: This study describes the characteristics of pharmacists currently working in general practices in New Zealand and provides insights into key requirements for the role. Understanding the way practice pharmacists are currently employed and funded can inform general practices considering employing pharmacists.
Keywords: General practice; general practitioners; integration; intersectoral collaboration; pharmacist; primary health care
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