ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate practice transformation team (PTT) members' perceptions of the Flip the Pharmacy (FtP) initiative as a strategy for implementing and improving community pharmacy-based patient care. Method(s): FtP is a national 2-year practice transformation initiative for implementing enhanced patient care and medication optimization services at community pharmacies, launched in 2019 with 28 PTTs including over 500 pharmacy locations. Key informant interviews were conducted with team leads, coaches, and pharmacy champions from four PTTs that participated in the first FtP cohort. The interviews were conducted using semistructured interview guides based on the RE-AIM framework and focused on participants' experiences in the first year of FtP. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a rapid content analysis approach. Result(s): Four leads, 8 coaches, and 8 pharmacy champions were interviewed from 4 PTTs from May to October 2021 and resulted in 10 themes: (1) community pharmacy practice experience is important when selecting coaches;(2) team readiness supports successful pharmacy practice transformation;(3) measures of patient care quality are needed;(4) payment and practice transformation opportunities happen in parallel;(5) successful practice transformation requires strategic involvement of the entire pharmacy team;(6) FtP practice transformation domains are synergistic;(7) change packages, coaching, and performance monitoring are core practice transformation supports;(8) pharmacy teams value opportunities to share and learn from each other;(9) sustaining patient care services is continuous;and (10) COVID-19 accelerated practice transformation while creating new stress points. Conclusion(s): Participants in this study perceived the FtP initiative as a helpful strategy implementing and improving community pharmacy-based patient care. Future research should explore the sustainability of the FtP initiative and similar community pharmacy practice transformation efforts.Copyright © 2022 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.
ABSTRACT
Background: Recent state-level legislation allows pharmacies to implement protocols for the testing and treatment of influenza and group A streptococcal pharyngitis infections, which may improve access. Objective(s): This study evaluated patient perspectives on testing and treatment of influenza or streptococcal pharyngitis infections in the pharmacy and evaluated patient acceptance, willingness to seek testing, and willingness to pay. Method(s): This study used a cross-sectional paper survey administered at the community pharmacy after receiving a coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine. The survey consisted of multiple choice and rank order. Surveys were anonymous and returned after completion before leaving the pharmacy. Survey data were entered into an Excel database for analysis. Result(s): There were a total of 152 respondents. Most of them were older than the age of 50 years and female. Most (89%) have a primary care provider (PCP) and their preferred location for testing was their PCP or a walk-in, quick care setting. More than half of the respondents stated that they would use the pharmacy as a source for testing and treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis infections and influenza. Half of the respondents pay an office copay visit of less than $15 and 29% pay $25-$50 per visit. The majority of respondents (62%) were willing to pay $25 or more out of pocket for testing. Conclusion(s): Although the pharmacy was not the preferred site for testing, more than half of the respondents stated that they would use the pharmacy for testing and treatment. Most respondents' willingness to pay was more than their copayments for office visits, suggesting some may value the convenience of testing and treatment at the pharmacy. Copyright © 2022 American Pharmacists Association