Characterization of Population Health Management Activities and Barriers of Wisconsin Pharmacists
by Michael W. Nagy, PharmD, BCACP, Mikayla Bell, 2023 PharmD Candidate
As the clinical responsibilities of pharmacists grow, the use of population health management (PHM) activities may enhance the efficient and impactful provision of patient care. Characterization of current pharmacy practice trends regarding PHM may identify pharmacists roles, explore perceived barriers, and guide future expectations. The primary objective of this study is to characterize the frequency in which Wisconsin pharmacists perform PHM. Secondary objectives include identifying the percent of pharmacists incorporating pharmacy learners in PHM and identifying barriers for incorporation of PHM. This mixed-methods exploratory study used an investigator-developed survey. All active Wisconsin pharmacists within Pharmacy Practice Enhancement and Action Research Link (PearlRx) were provided the survey to investigate the frequency, type, and incorporation of PHM activities into daily practice, barriers, as well as inclusion of pharmacy learners. Survey participants had the option to partake in a follow-up 30-minute semi-structured interview. Fifty-four pharmacists voluntarily completed the survey, of which 40 (75%) perform PHM activities using, on average, 10% of their allotted practice time and 27 (50%) incorporate learners. Identified barriers include lack of time, the need for stakeholder support from outside the pharmacy profession, and lack of awareness. Ideas to overcome barriers included increasing collaborative efforts on interdisciplinary teams, development of practice resources, and establishing the value of PHM activities return on investment for stakeholders. Training of current and future pharmacists on the basic processes of PHM and health information technology resources is needed. Wisconsin pharmacists are in an early adoption phase of incorporating PHM into practice.
Keywords: Pharmacists, Survey, Learners, Barriers, Motivation, Pharmacy Practice, Collaboration
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2023 May/June Table of Contents
As the clinical responsibilities of pharmacists grow, the use of population health management (PHM) activities may enhance the efficient and impactful provision of patient care. Characterization of current pharmacy practice trends regarding PHM may identify pharmacists roles, explore perceived barriers, and guide future expectations. The primary objective of this study is to characterize the frequency in which Wisconsin pharmacists perform PHM. Secondary objectives include identifying the percent of pharmacists incorporating pharmacy learners in PHM and identifying barriers for incorporation of PHM. This mixed-methods exploratory study used an investigator-developed survey. All active Wisconsin pharmacists within Pharmacy Practice Enhancement and Action Research Link (PearlRx) were provided the survey to investigate the frequency, type, and incorporation of PHM activities into daily practice, barriers, as well as inclusion of pharmacy learners. Survey participants had the option to partake in a follow-up 30-minute semi-structured interview. Fifty-four pharmacists voluntarily completed the survey, of which 40 (75%) perform PHM activities using, on average, 10% of their allotted practice time and 27 (50%) incorporate learners. Identified barriers include lack of time, the need for stakeholder support from outside the pharmacy profession, and lack of awareness. Ideas to overcome barriers included increasing collaborative efforts on interdisciplinary teams, development of practice resources, and establishing the value of PHM activities return on investment for stakeholders. Training of current and future pharmacists on the basic processes of PHM and health information technology resources is needed. Wisconsin pharmacists are in an early adoption phase of incorporating PHM into practice.
Keywords: Pharmacists, Survey, Learners, Barriers, Motivation, Pharmacy Practice, Collaboration
Download PDF
2023 May/June Table of Contents