Years in Practice, Differences in Perspectives: Survey Findings From Age-Friendly Pharmacists

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Pharmacy
• Health Services Research
• Pharmacy Practice Innovation

Background:

• Early adoption of evidence-based practices, like Age-Friendly health systems, is crucial for optimizing care for older adults.
• The Age-Friendly framework focuses on What Matters, Medication, Mobility, and Mentation (4Ms) to enhance geriatric care.
• Over 1900 pharmacists achieved Age-Friendly recognition within the first year of its availability, indicating significant interest in this practice model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the demographics of pharmacists who obtained Age-Friendly recognition.
• To assess the preparedness and motivations driving pharmacists to pursue Age-Friendly certification.
• To examine the professional association affiliations of these pharmacists.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative survey was distributed to all participants as part of the Age-Friendly pharmacist recognition process.
• The study targeted pharmacists who had achieved Age-Friendly recognition and completed the online questionnaire.
• Descriptive statistics were used to compare new practitioners (≤6 years post-graduation) with established pharmacists (>6 years post-graduation).

Main Results:

• The cohort included 1953 Age-Friendly pharmacists; 15.4% were new practitioners (mean age 29.7) and 84.6% were established practitioners (mean age 45.3).
• Board certification rates differed, with 25% of new practitioners and 57.4% of established practitioners being board-certified; geriatric certification was more common in the established group (82.2%).
• The primary motivation for both groups was improving care quality for older adults, followed by continuing education, a digital badge, and skill enhancement. Employers were a significant source of information and support for recognition.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacists pursuing Age-Friendly recognition are highly qualified and driven by a commitment to enhance geriatric care.
• Key motivators include improving patient outcomes, accessing free continuing education, obtaining a digital badge, and professional skill development.
• Employer support and information dissemination are critical factors in pharmacists achieving Age-Friendly recognition.