Clinical Pharmacist Integration Into Veterans' Primary Care: Team Members Perspectives

• DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2021.02.200328
• Publication Date: 2021-04-08T18:30:34Z
• Authors: Anna Zogas; Chris Gillespie; Felicia Kleinberg; Joel I. Reisman; Ndindam Ndiwane; Michael H. Tran; Heather L. Ourth; Anthony P. Morreale; Donald R. Miller; Megan B. McCullough
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Medical Home; Restructuring; Collaborative Care

<h3>Background:</h3> With the restructuring of primary care into patient-centered medical homes (PCMH), researchers have described role transformations that accompany formation core teamlets (eg, provider, registered nurse manager, licensed practical nurse, support assistant). However, few studies offer insight how teamlets, once established, integrate additional extended team members, and factors influence quality their integration. <h3>Methods:</h3> We examine process integrating Clinical Pharmacy Specialists (CPS) teams in Veterans Health Administration (VHA). conducted semi-structured interviews with CPS (n = 6) clinical members 16) performed a thematic analysis interview transcripts. <h3>Results:</h3> characterize 2 ways are integrated teamlets: consultative roles collaborative roles. may be limited to by members9 misconceptions about competencies (ie, if perceived handle only medication-related issues like refills) providers9 opinions distributing responsibilities for patient care. Over time, correct more helps manage disease states comprehensive medication management). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> opportunities optimize contributions care, underscoring importance clarifying as part adequately advanced practitioners interprofessional teams.