Pharmacist services provided in general practice clinics: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Primary Care Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Integration of pharmacists into primary care general practice clinics has potential but is not widespread.
• This model can enhance interdisciplinary teamwork and patient care.
• Challenges remain in widespread adoption of pharmacist services in primary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effectiveness of clinical pharmacist services delivered in primary care general practice settings.
• To evaluate the impact of co-located pharmacists on patient outcomes and medication use.
• To synthesize evidence on pharmacist interventions in general practice.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials from major databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, IPA).
• Inclusion criteria focused on pharmacists with ongoing clinic relationships, interventions optimizing prescribing/medication use, and physical presence.
• Meta-analyses were conducted on studies with common endpoints like blood pressure, HbA1c, and cholesterol.

Main Results:

• 38 studies were included, with most focusing on cardiovascular disease and diabetes management.
• Pharmacist interventions, primarily medication reviews, showed positive effects in 19 studies.
• Meta-analyses revealed significant improvements in blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin, cholesterol, and Framingham risk score favoring pharmacist interventions.

Conclusions:

• Co-located pharmacists in general practice clinics deliver effective interventions.
• Positive outcomes were observed in chronic disease management and promoting quality use of medicines.
• Evidence supports the expanded role of pharmacists within primary care settings.