Community pharmacists in Englands' opinions on skill-mix and delegation

Barnes, Emma ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6447-6647, Bullock, Alison ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3800-2186, Allan, Margaret and Hodson, Karen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9739-5445 2018. Community pharmacists in Englands' opinions on skill-mix and delegation. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice 26 (5) , pp. 398-406. 10.1111/ijpp.12419

Preview

PDF - Accepted Post-Print Version Download (710kB) | Preview

Abstract

Objectives Following the 2005 contractual framework amendment, the expanding role of community pharmacy team members required a shift in entrenched views on roles and duties. This study aimed to report on community pharmacists’ opinions on skill mix and explore how they can be addressed so that skill mix may be optimised. Methods An invitation to complete an online questionnaire was distributed via email, marked for the attention of the lead pharmacist. Following a low response, a paper‐based questionnaire was sent to all community pharmacies in England (n = 11,816). Questions elicited data about the respondent, the pharmacy (including staffing profile) and opinions on skill mix. Key findings A total of 1154 returns were received, representing a 10% response rate. Of these, most were pharmacy chains (76%; n = 877), with 5–9 staff (54%; n = 600); commonly open 40–49 hours (42%; n = 487), dispensing <6000 prescriptions per week (41%, n = 533). From 26 statements on skill mix, three factors were identified by principal‐components factor analysis: ‘working well’, ‘feeling the pressure’ and ‘open to development’. Characteristics associated with ‘working well’: pharmacy owners, single businesses, with pharmacy technician(s), dispensing fewer prescriptions and open shorter hours. Characteristics associated with ‘feeling the pressure’: pharmacy chains, open longer hours, large numbers of prescriptions and relief pharmacists. Characteristics associated with ‘open to development’: recently qualified, second pharmacists, working longer hours, chains and dispensing lower numbers of prescriptions. Conclusions Although limited by a low response, results suggest being in a position to influence (more experienced, business owners) may be associated with more positive opinions. Further training (including about legalities and leadership) could contribute to optimising skill mix in community pharmacies.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Cardiff Unit for Research and Evaluation in Medical and Dental Education (CUREMeDE) Pharmacy Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Publisher:	Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
ISSN:	0961-7671
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	8 November 2017
Date of Acceptance:	24 October 2017
Last Modified:	22 Nov 2024 20:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/106316

Citation Data

Cited 4 times in Scopus. View in Scopus. Powered By Scopus® Data

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item