Meeting the health needs of problematic drug users through community pharmacy: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Community pharmacies are established service providers for problematic drug users (PDUs). PDUs have many unmet health needs, which pharmacists may be able to help resolve. This paper aims to qualitatively explore the feasibility and desirability of further developing community pharmacy services to meet the wider health needs of problematic drug users.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to explore current and future pharmacy service provision to PDUs. Views were sought from 20 PDUs, 12 staff from community pharmacies, and seven stakeholders and commissioners from relevant agencies. Data were thematically analyzed and potential services including possible barriers identified.

Results & Discussion: Data highlighted variability in current services in the study area in terms of availability and quality. Good rapport between users and regular staff was highlighted as an important factor in good quality services. Pharmacies were consistently identified as having key opportunities to make useful health interventions within a range of therapeutic areas including nutrition, dentistry, wound care, and infectious diseases. The most widely supported roles were based around information provision and signposting. However, there was support for direct interventions to be delivered within the pharmacy, by a regular member of staff or a visiting specialist.

Keywords:

• Injecting
• problematic drug use
• community pharmacy
• public health

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank all the stakeholders, providers and services users who participated in this research.

Funding information

This study was funded by an unrestricted grant from the study area's Drug and Alcohol Action Team.

Ethical approval

This study was reviewed and approved by the University Research Ethics Committee. NHS ethical committee review was not sought in accordance with GAfREC (para 3.1).

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

The authors confirm that:

• The material has not been published elsewhere.

• The paper is not currently being considered for publication elsewhere.

• All authors have been personally and substantially involved in the work leading to the paper, and will hold themselves jointly and individually responsible for its content.

• Relevant ethical safeguards have been met in relation to the confidentiality and consent of the patients involved in the research.

• Where possible and appropriate, that the subjects of the research are consulted in the design and execution of the research.