Clinical Pharmaceutical Services in Retail Practice II. Factors Influencing the Provision of Services

Abstract

The second phase of a two-part investigation of factors influencing the development of clinical pharmaceutical services in retail practice is presented. This report focuses on why pharmacists who reported a willingness and competency to perform services in Phase I had not developed such a practice. Transcripts from 11 focus group interviews conducted with pharmacists throughout South Carolina were analyzed by two panels. The first panel summarized subjects' comments regarding the major dimensions: (1) awareness, (2) demand, (3) motivation, (4) requisites, and (5) barriers for delivery of services. The second panel judged the validity of the first panel's analysis. Pharmacists were aware of common clinical services, but had given little thought to unique services oriented to patients' needs. Monetary factors were deemed to be more important than was concluded from the first phase. Pharmacists saw a minimal demand for services, but a great need. Pharmacists also felt the need for more clinical skills, but better systems of delivery also were emphasized. The report concludes with a strategy for promoting clinical services in retail practice.