Integration of a primary healthcare pharmacist

Pharmacists have been encouraged to enhance their role on primary healthcare teams; but, the profession has yet to be involved to the degree in which a substantial impact can be made. The objective of this study was to provide guidance on how to integrate a pharmacist into an already established primary healthcare team. Using action research, a panel of established primary healthcare pharmacists identified clinical activities for a primary healthcare pharmacist tailored for the project site. The results were presented to the primary healthcare team, who then collaborated with the pharmacist and researchers to define the role of the pharmacist. Once an agreement was reached, a pharmacist provided eight weeks of full-time clinical services. Upon completion, focus groups were used to evaluate the pharmacist's clinical services. The focus group data, along with the pharmacist's suggestions, formed a step-wise guide for integration. The template consists of eight steps which highlight the importance of selecting a collaborative process and team, defining the role of the pharmacist, determining the logistics of providing care, establishing credibility, re-evaluating the role as it evolves, and obtaining patient feedback. Pharmacists desiring to be involved in primary healthcare teams can follow this template to assist them with integration.