Patient, pharmacist and GP views on community pharmacy services (v1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study of awareness, demand and use of community pharmacy services for people with long-term conditions: views of patients, pharmacists and GPs
IRAS ID
228705
Contact name
Ellen I. Schafheutle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Patients with long-term conditions (LTCs) have many healthcare needs that involve assistance and support from healthcare professionals. Long-term conditions are defined as conditions that cannot, at present, be cured; but can be controlled by medication and other therapies. Community pharmacies are the most frequently visited healthcare organisations which make them an ideal location for introducing new services to meet those needs. Although it has been shown that community pharmacy services can be beneficial, they are not widely known about or used by patients. It is important to talk to patients, GPs and pharmacists to fully understand how community pharmacy services may be better used to help patients with LTCs.
This study aims to use marketing theory to understand how community pharmacy services may be better used to help patients with LTCs. This will be done by using two marketing models to shape and approach the study objectives. The views of patients, pharmacists and GPs on community pharmacy services will be explored and compared to identify practical ways to increase awareness, demand and use of community pharmacy services. Study participants will be recruited from North West England. Patients will be identified from charity organisations, GPs from general practices and pharmacists from community pharmacies. This study design will mainly involve the use of focus groups to obtain participant views. Focus groups are forms of interviews where groups of between 6 and 10 people with similar experiences individuals discuss and comment on a particular topic. If it is not possible to arrange focus groups for all those interested in participation, one-to-one interviews may be offered as an alternative. Focus groups/interviews will be audio-taped and transcribed verbatim with consent. The focus group/interview questions will address expectations and experiences of community pharmacy services.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NE/0371
Date of REC Opinion
21 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion