GP and pharmacist inter-professional learning – a grounded theory study

Abstract

Background: Practice Based Small Group Learning (PBSGL) is an established learning resource for primary care clinicians in Scotland and is used by one-third of general practitioners (GPs). Scottish Government and UK professional bodies have called for GPs and pharmacists to work more closely together to improve care. Aim: To gain GPs’ and pharmacists’ perceptions and experiences of learning together in an inter-professional PBSGL pilot. Design and setting: Qualitative research methods involving established GP PBSGL groups in NHS Scotland recruiting one or two pharmacists to join them. Method: A grounded theory method was used. GPs were interviewed in focus groups by a fellow GP, and pharmacists were interviewed individually by two researchers, neither being a GP or a pharmacist. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using grounded theory methods. Data saturation was achieved and confirmed. Results and conclusion: Three themes were identified: GPs’ and pharmacists’ perceptions and experiences of inter-professional learning; Inter-professional relationships and team-working; Group identity and purpose of existing GP groups. Pharmacists were welcomed into GP groups and both professions valued inter-professional PBSGL learning. Participants learned from each other and both professions gained a wider perspective of the NHS and of each others’ roles in the organisation. Inter-professional relationships, communication and team-working were strengthened and professionals regarded each other as peers and friends.

Keywords:

• Primary health care
• general practice
• pharmacy
• inter-professional relations
• learning

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all research participants for their time and honesty, NES staff who helped with transcription work and Dr Ronald MacVicar and Dr Peter McCallister for editorial advice.

Disclosure statement

DC, JF and JW are employed by the medicine directorate of NES, and LZ and AP are employed by the pharmacy directorate.

Funding

The NES Pharmacy directorate funded this pilot and study.