Personalizing an offer of pharmaceutical care services according to the expectations of youth and stakeholders in a youth rehabilitation centre: The POSER Study

Background: Polypharmacy in pediatrics is a growing concern among youth living in residential care centres, where medication use is higher than in the general population. Despite this issue, pharmacists are not currently part of multidisciplinary teams. The POSER study aimed to explore the expectations regarding pharmaceutical care among youth and staff at the centre. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted at the Val-du-Lac Youth Rehabilitation Centre (YRC) from June 10 to September 20, 2025. The quantitative descriptive component provided an overview of the youth's pharmacotherapeutic characteristics. The qualitative component explored the expectations of youth and staff regarding the integration and impact of a pharmacist through focus groups and individual interviews. Results: A total of 129 youth were deemed eligible. Youth were taking an average of 2.98 medications regularly; 35.7% were taking 4 or more, and 44.5% were receiving at least 3 psychotropic drugs. The interviews revealed several themes, including team organization and interprofessional collaboration, which helped to clarify the pharmacist's role within the centre. Discussion: The POSER study highlights substantial polypharmacy and adherence challenges within the centre, underscoring the relevance of including a pharmacist in the care team. Pharmacist integration, perceived positively by youth and most stakeholders, appears to be a promising solution to optimize care, strengthen continuity, and improve medication safety. Conclusion: This project constitutes the first study of the pharmacotherapeutic needs in a YRC and supports the advancement of pharmacy practice in Canada by strengthening its role with vulnerable youth.