Consolidating innovative practice models: The case for obstructive sleep apnea services in Australian pharmacies

Pharmacists in Australia have pioneered an innovative role in providing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) services in community pharmacies. A professional practice framework is yet to be established for this novel service area.

To explore the practices and experiences of Australian pharmacy staff providing OSA services.

Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted using an interview guide to explore a priori areas of interest. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using a framework approach.

Interviews were completed with 22 practitioners from demographically diverse pharmacies. Key themes emerging from the interviews included motivation for providing the service, current practice frameworks, determinants for sustaining the service and future directions for the profession. Participants reflected on the professional satisfaction they derived from providing the service and being able to contribute to an important public health area. However, numerous impediments to service provision were discussed; these were broadly conceptualized as financial, professional, societal and geographical issues. Important practitioner needs were highlighted, including professional training opportunities and support. The need for a regulatory practice framework to ensure quality and uniformity of service provision within the profession was emphasized. Broader uptake of these services in the absence of such a framework was a key area of concern.

This study showcases a novel area of pharmacy service provision. Innovative services need to be explored and defined before being consolidated into professionally recognized areas of practice. For OSA services in Australia, the next key step for the profession is to establish a professional practice framework to support current and future implementers of the service and ensure a minimum standard of care.