A descriptive study of systemic factors that affect ambulatory care pharmacists

Background

Ambulatory care pharmacists (ACPs) support patients and the health care team through clinical services such as patient education and comprehensive disease state management. Although multiple studies show the impact of ACPs on others, little research has been done on their own experiences.

Objectives

This study aimed to learn from ACPs about their workplace experiences and identify systemic factors that affect their role as members of interprofessional health care teams.

Methods

This exploratory, qualitative study consisted of digitally recorded, semistructured interviews with ACPs. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed inductively and iteratively by a multidisciplinary research team to determine salient themes.

Results

Twenty-one pharmacists (10 in private health systems, 11 in public health systems) participated, 15 of whom described the effects of leadership, metrics, and reimbursement on their roles. Although many pharmacists felt supported by leadership, others noted consistent pressure to meet arbitrary quality metrics and frustration with limited reimbursement options. Public health system pharmacists seemed to be more affected by these systemic factors than their private health system counterparts.

Conclusion

Leadership, metrics, and reimbursement are all systemic factors that affect ACPs’ workplace experiences, as evinced by participant interviews. More research is necessary to determine how best to support ACPs across health systems to ensure that they can continue providing high-quality, accessible patient care.