Qualitative Research on the Current Situation of Pharmacists Involved in Home Medical Care in Medium-sized Medical Areas

Pharmacists are intervening in home healthcare as part of the comprehensive community care system promoted by the government. However, medium-sized cities may not have the medical resources in the same forms as metropolitan areas. In this study, we conducted an interview with pharmacists involved in home medical care in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, and added qualitative analysis to clarify the current situation of pharmacists and specific issues in medium-sized medical areas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pharmacists involved in home healthcare in Hikone City, and results were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. Using data from 11 pharmacists collected from October to November 2020, 33 concepts and 12 categories were extracted, and a story line was generated. Lack of confidence among some pharmacists may have created a vicious cycle in which they feel hesitant to speak out regarding opportunities for collaboration, contrary to the general understanding that multi-professional collaboration is important. One of the factors troubling pharmacists was the absence of a place for mutual education among pharmacists; an environment in which they cannot casually ask questions about home operations keeps pharmacists away from home care. In addition, there are not as many imminent medical needs in medium-sized cities as in large cities, and pharmacies specializing in home care may not be viable. We insist that a response that does not follow the successful examples of urban cities, but that instead considers the unique nature of medical care in each region will help pharmacists ʼ work proceed smoothly.