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Challenges in chronic illness management: a qualitative study of Australian pharmacists’ perspectives

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Abstract

Objective To explore pharmacists’ views on managing patients with chronic illness; to understand the incentives and barriers they perceive and the solutions they propose to overcome these barriers. Setting Hospital pharmacists, with experience in managing people with chronic illnesses, working in western Sydney, Australia, were interviewed during June and July 2008. Method A qualitative study involving group and individual interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Results Hospital pharmacists identified lack of communication between different healthcare providers and with patients as a contributing factor to lack of continuity of care and this was perceived as a major barrier in managing patients with chronic illnesses. Pharmacists were also concerned about the effects of medication costs, and poor patient knowledge regarding their disease and medications, and the effects on adherence. Suggested solutions included taking a teamwork approach in the management of chronic illness and providing more information to patients to improve adherence. Conclusion The identified incentives and barriers have provided valuable information on what pharmacists face in managing patients with chronic illness. Most of the solutions suggested by them have been tested and proven unsuccessful. Develop successful health policy to address the identified barriers remains a challenge.

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Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the work done by SCIPPS, on which this study is based. The Serious and Continuing Illnesses Policy and Practice Study (SCIPPS) is an NHMRC funded program conducted at The Australian National University and University of Sydney and administered by The Menzies Centre for Health Policy. We would also like to thank the participating pharmacists.

Funding

Elin Lehnbom is the recipient of the Widdifield Cardiac Research Scholarship. This study was supported by research grants from the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia and the Swedish Pharmaceutical Association.

Conflicts of interest

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Elin C. Lehnbom & Jo-anne E. Brien

  2. Therapeutics Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital, Level 2 Xavier Building, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia

    Elin C. Lehnbom & Jo-anne E. Brien

  3. Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Jo-anne E. Brien

Authors
  1. Elin C. Lehnbom
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  2. Jo-anne E. Brien
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Correspondence to Elin C. Lehnbom.

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Lehnbom, E.C., Brien, Ja.E. Challenges in chronic illness management: a qualitative study of Australian pharmacists’ perspectives. Pharm World Sci 32, 631–636 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-010-9414-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-010-9414-9

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