An evaluation of factors affecting the usefulness and sustainability of inter-pharmacist case conferences

Inter-pharmacist case conferences, in which practitioners routinely discuss drug therapy, are expected to improve the validity of clinical judgements and provide educational benefits. However, evidence regarding their utility and factors associated with sustainability is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the utility of a year-long inter-pharmacist case conference program at Kameda Medical Center (Kamogawa, Japan) and explore factors associated with its continuity.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 pharmacists who participated in inter-pharmacist case conferences initiated in November 2023. A 16-item questionnaire that incorporated the Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction model and psychological safety perspectives was administered. Exploratory factor analysis was performed as the primary endpoint. As a secondary analysis, the association between the extracted factors and motivation for continuity was examined using multiple regression analysis. Furthermore, the impact of experience as a facilitator or case presenter on factor scores was evaluated using two-way analysis of variance.

Three factors were extracted from the questionnaire data with a cumulative contribution rate of 75.5%. Factor 1 was interpreted as confidence and professional growth through conferences, Factor 2 as improvement in clinical judgement and quality of drug therapy, and Factor 3 as promotion of communication and improvement of the environment for expressing opinions. The mean factor score was highest for Factor 2. Motivation for continuity was significantly associated with Factors 1 and 2. Case presenter experience was associated with higher scores for Factor 1, suggesting that case presentation may be related to perceived professional growth.

Inter-pharmacist case conferences may be a valuable practice-based initiative related to clinical judgement, self-efficacy, and team communication. The study results suggest that perceived professional growth and practical application to clinical judgement may be important elements associated with sustainability. Overall, this study provides fundamental insights into the institutionalization and dissemination of inter-pharmacist conferences.