[Roles of pharmacists in multidisciplinary protocols of medical homes in 2020: A multi-methods cross-sectional...

To describe and analyze the roles of pharmacists in the multi-disciplinary protocols of French medical homes (MHs).

Multi-methods study combining: (i) a descriptive cross-sectional study identifying the MHs with active pharmacists in Loire-Atlantique and Vendée in 2020, (ii) an analysis of the roles of the pharmacists within the multi-disciplinary protocols of these MHs, (iii) a qualitative study by semi-directed interviews with the pharmacists participating in these protocols.

Among the 40 MHs in Loire-Atlantique and Vendée in 2020, 22 (55%) included a pharmacist and 8 (20%) reported at least one protocol between GPs and pharmacists. Three roles of the pharmacist were identified: identification of a target population according to the inclusion criteria of the protocols, counseling and education, and new missions of the pharmacist. The interviews carried out highlighted a gap between the actions stated in the protocols and the actions carried out with the patient.

There are many barriers to the involvement of pharmacists in the protocols: significant administrative difficulties, low financial profitability, lack of time, and even persistent mistrust between general practitioners and pharmacists. Despite these barriers, pharmacists experience improvements in communication between professionals and in their practice conditions.