Community pharmacists require additional support to develop capacity in delivering alcohol-related health information to older adults

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

International Journal of Pharmacy Practice

Publisher

Wiley

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences / School of Engineering

RAS ID

22727

Comments

Dare, J., Wilkinson, C., Garlepp, M., Lo, J. and Allsop, S. (2017), Community pharmacists require additional support to develop capacity in delivering alcohol-related health information to older adults. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 25(4), 301-310. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpp.12319

Abstract

Objectives

This qualitative study explored the barriers and enablers influencing Western Australian (WA) community pharmacists’ knowledge, confidence, willingness and practice in engaging older clients (>60 years) in alcohol-related health discussions.

Methods

Two focus groups were conducted with a total of 14 community pharmacists who had previously completed a formative quantitative survey (n = 63), and indicated willingness to participate in a follow-up focus group. Focus group questions, informed by the survey results, explored participants’ perceptions about barriers and enablers to delivering health information and advice about alcohol to older clients (60+ years). Shaw and colleagues’ theoretical framework was used to understand barriers and enablers in relation to role legitimacy, role adequacy and role support.

Key findings

Participants acknowledged that providing health information about alcohol to older clients is a legitimate part of a community pharmacist's role, and most were confident performing this role in situations perceived as core to their professional practice, such as while dispensing medicines. However, many participants identified limited knowledge, skills and confidence in assisting older clients who may have alcohol issues, beyond advising them on medication and alcohol use. Structural barriers such as time and financial barriers were also identified.

Conclusion

Routine professional practice including dispensing medicine and home medicine reviews may provide valuable opportunities to engage older clients in alcohol-related discussions. However, limited knowledge concerning appropriate strategies to assist older clients reduce their alcohol consumption, coupled with limited skills and confidence among community pharmacists in raising sensitive alcohol-related issues with clients, suggest the need for specific alcohol-related training and support.

DOI

10.1111/ijpp.12319

Access Rights

free_to_read

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