Perspectives of patients on the role of general practice pharmacists: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
Abstract Background There is a scarcity of research about patients’ perspectives on the role of general practice pharmacists (GPPs). In this review, we aimed to compile qualitative evidence of patients’ perspectives regarding the role of GPPs. Methods A systematic, qualitative meta-synthesis was und...
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BMC
2025-03-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-025-02787-0 |
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| author | Abrar H. F. Hassan Heather E. Barry Carmel M. Hughes |
| author_facet | Abrar H. F. Hassan Heather E. Barry Carmel M. Hughes |
| author_sort | Abrar H. F. Hassan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background There is a scarcity of research about patients’ perspectives on the role of general practice pharmacists (GPPs). In this review, we aimed to compile qualitative evidence of patients’ perspectives regarding the role of GPPs. Methods A systematic, qualitative meta-synthesis was undertaken. A comprehensive search was conducted on six databases. Additionally, the reference lists of included studies were searched. Findings and verbatim quotes were extracted from the included studies and were analysed using thematic synthesis. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was employed to evaluate the quality of the included studies. The GRADE-CERQual approach was utilised to evaluate confidence in the findings. Results Ten qualitative studies were included. Four main themes were identified: awareness of the GPP (patients were unaware of the GPP’s role), accessibility to the GPP (some patients had difficulties arranging appointments with GPPs), benefits and challenges (medication review conducted by GPPs reaffirmed patients’ trust in taking their medicines, although some were dissatisfied with the medication review process), and GPP integration into general practice (successful integration of GPPs was attributed to their skills and teamwork). The included studies satisfied all or at least seven out of the ten criteria of the CASP checklist. GRADE-CERQual indicated high confidence for one theme, and moderate confidence for three themes. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies provides valuable insights into patients’ perspectives on the role of GPPs. The findings highlight both positive aspects and challenges associated with GPP integration into primary care, including concerns about role awareness and accessibility. These findings suggest that while GPPs can add value to general practice teams, there is a need for improved patient education about the GPP role and enhanced accessibility to maximise the potential benefits of the GPPs. Clinical trial number Not applicable. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4be1ae217c8d462a80cf3c98f2e2d2fd |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2731-4553 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Primary Care |
| spelling | doaj-art-4be1ae217c8d462a80cf3c98f2e2d2fd2025-08-20T03:04:51ZengBMCBMC Primary Care2731-45532025-03-0126111110.1186/s12875-025-02787-0Perspectives of patients on the role of general practice pharmacists: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studiesAbrar H. F. Hassan0Heather E. Barry1Carmel M. Hughes2Primary Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University BelfastPrimary Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University BelfastPrimary Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University BelfastAbstract Background There is a scarcity of research about patients’ perspectives on the role of general practice pharmacists (GPPs). In this review, we aimed to compile qualitative evidence of patients’ perspectives regarding the role of GPPs. Methods A systematic, qualitative meta-synthesis was undertaken. A comprehensive search was conducted on six databases. Additionally, the reference lists of included studies were searched. Findings and verbatim quotes were extracted from the included studies and were analysed using thematic synthesis. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was employed to evaluate the quality of the included studies. The GRADE-CERQual approach was utilised to evaluate confidence in the findings. Results Ten qualitative studies were included. Four main themes were identified: awareness of the GPP (patients were unaware of the GPP’s role), accessibility to the GPP (some patients had difficulties arranging appointments with GPPs), benefits and challenges (medication review conducted by GPPs reaffirmed patients’ trust in taking their medicines, although some were dissatisfied with the medication review process), and GPP integration into general practice (successful integration of GPPs was attributed to their skills and teamwork). The included studies satisfied all or at least seven out of the ten criteria of the CASP checklist. GRADE-CERQual indicated high confidence for one theme, and moderate confidence for three themes. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies provides valuable insights into patients’ perspectives on the role of GPPs. The findings highlight both positive aspects and challenges associated with GPP integration into primary care, including concerns about role awareness and accessibility. These findings suggest that while GPPs can add value to general practice teams, there is a need for improved patient education about the GPP role and enhanced accessibility to maximise the potential benefits of the GPPs. Clinical trial number Not applicable.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-025-02787-0Primary careGeneral practice pharmacistsPatientsQualitative synthesis |
| spellingShingle | Abrar H. F. Hassan Heather E. Barry Carmel M. Hughes Perspectives of patients on the role of general practice pharmacists: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies BMC Primary Care Primary care General practice pharmacists Patients Qualitative synthesis |
| title | Perspectives of patients on the role of general practice pharmacists: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies |
| title_full | Perspectives of patients on the role of general practice pharmacists: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies |
| title_fullStr | Perspectives of patients on the role of general practice pharmacists: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies |
| title_full_unstemmed | Perspectives of patients on the role of general practice pharmacists: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies |
| title_short | Perspectives of patients on the role of general practice pharmacists: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies |
| title_sort | perspectives of patients on the role of general practice pharmacists a systematic review and meta synthesis of qualitative studies |
| topic | Primary care General practice pharmacists Patients Qualitative synthesis |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-025-02787-0 |
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