Retroactive application of the EPIS framework to promote future implementation success in community pharmacy clinical...

The assessment of the implementation process of a clinical intervention in a community pharmacy setting can reveal useful insights for future implementation efforts.

We aimed to examine the implementation of a community pharmacist-led prospective registry and practice tool (R_xING, Epidemiology Research Coordinating Center and the University of Alberta) designed to reduce cardiovascular risk among patients with diabetes and to assess how the participating pharmacists could be supported at each of these stages.

Semistructured interviews were conducted developed using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework. The EPIS framework was used to evaluate the implementation of an online, guideline-driven tool (R_xING tool) designed to help pharmacists implement and document the care of patients with diabetes by a group of community pharmacies located in Alberta, Canada.

In relation to the preparation phase, responses focused more on suitability of the work environments and less on workflow adjustment. With regard to the implementation stage, participants mentioned that often the pharmacy manager or owner received the training to operate the R_xING tool, complicating their ability to engage in regular patient recruitment and follow-up. Most pharmacies did not have specific goals relating to patient recruitment and retention. Concerns hindering sustainability of the evidence-based practice centered around the time-consuming online documentation process and patient retention. Finally, innovation factors identified from the pharmacists' responses were related to patient recruitment and streamlining the documentation process.

This study identified 17 key recommendations that should be considered when designing and implementing future community pharmacy-led projects. In particular, providing assistance and training to pharmacies on-site, specific planning for program roll-out, identifying participating staff who have the time to engage with the program, and troubleshooting how to best integrate programs in normal workflow processes are some key recommendations.