Pharmacist-led academic detailing intervention in primary care: a mixed methods feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Pharmacology
• General Practice

Background:

• Academic detailing is a continuing medical education strategy using health professionals to deliver evidence-based information to prescribers.
• This intervention is established internationally but not routinely implemented in Ireland.
• Urinary incontinence is a common condition in older adults, impacting quality of life and healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a pharmacist-led academic detailing intervention for General Practitioners (GPs) in Ireland.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on prescribing patterns for urinary incontinence in older patients.
• To gather qualitative feedback from GPs regarding the intervention's content and delivery.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods feasibility study conducted in General Practice settings in County Cork, Ireland.
• Pharmacist-led academic detailing intervention focused on urinary incontinence management in patients aged 65 and older.
• Quantitative analysis of patient medical records (n=154) using before-after prescribing measures (LUTS-FORTA, Drug Burden Index, Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden).
• Qualitative data collection through focus groups with participating GPs (n=14).

Main Results:

• Twenty-three GPs participated; medical records of 154 patients were analyzed.
• Minimal to no significant changes were observed in prescribing measures post-intervention.
• GPs found the topic relevant and educational materials succinct, but preferred online formats over paper-based resources.

Conclusions:

• A pharmacist-led academic detailing intervention is acceptable to Irish GPs.
• Further research is warranted to evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of academic detailing in optimizing patient care for urinary incontinence in a larger population.