Embedding onsite pharmacists in nursing home practice: qualitative findings from a pilot study

Enhancing the role of pharmacists may help reduce medication errors in nursing homes (NHs). To launch the embedding of onsite pharmacists in Flemish NHs, KU Leuven developed a postgraduate course. This pilot study aimed to (1) evaluate the course and (2) to explore pharmacists’ tasks and activities in NHs. The course consisted of three main components: (1) an e-learning, (2) a NH internship, and (3) round table discussions with fellow pharmacists completing the course. Pharmacists also maintained a portfolio, documenting their tasks and activities. Data were collected during two consecutive course cycles, i.e. in 2022 and 2023. Round table discussions were considered as focus groups and included in the evaluation, as were pharmacists’ portfolios. Additionally, focus groups were held with NH staff. All round table discussions and focus groups were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. All data were analysed using an inductive thematic framework. Nineteen pharmacists and 36 NH staff members participated. Six themes emerged: (1) a promising e-learning with opportunities for improvement, (2) the crucial but challenging NH internship, (3) a variety of tasks performed by onsite pharmacists, 4) round table discussions as sources of inspiration and reassurance, (5) call for structural embedding of pharmacists in NHs, (6) consensus on the need for onsite pharmaceutical expertise. The pilot study highlighted the potential role of onsite pharmacists in NHs, emphasizing resident-level and system-level contributions. It also identified opportunities to optimize the postgraduate course and calls for the structural embedding of pharmacists in NH practice.