Evaluation of patients' medical information required to determine drug-related problems in community pharmacies: A mixed method study

Access to patient information is essential for community pharmacists to provide comprehensive pharmaceutical care, involving a deep understanding of medical history, medications, and disease conditions. Yet, the impact of information access on a pharmacist's ability to identify and resolve drug-related problems remains uncertain. This study investigates this relationship's significance in enhancing pharmaceutical care quality. The primary objective is to assess how access to patient information affects community pharmacists' ability to deliver comprehensive pharmaceutical care and accurately address drug-related problems. Additionally, the study explores factors influencing pharmaceutical care provision in community pharmacies. We used a mixed-methods approach to evaluate pharmacist patient care services through standardized simulated patient cases. We collected quantitative data on the number and accuracy of identified drug-related problems and time spent on care provision. Qualitative analysis involved a think-aloud protocol for pharmacist decision-making and cognitive interviews to explore perceptions and factors impacting the identification and resolution of drug-related problems, with a focus on the role of information access. Our findings indicate significant improvements in total drug-related problems identified, confidence levels, accuracy, and sensitivity after providing access to patient information. Thematic analysis of transcripts uncovered key themes related to information access and pharmaceutical care in community pharmacies, including missed care opportunities, pharmacy and pharmacist-related barriers, external obstacles, societal perceptions of pharmacists, and a strong desire to advance pharmaceutical care. Keywords: Pharmaceutical care, Drug Related Problems, Mixed method study, access to patients' health records, community pharmacist