Patient perspectives on the vital primary care role of community pharmacists in Nova Scotia, Canada: qualitative findings from the PUPPY Study

Objectives: Community pharmacists play an important role in primary care access and delivery for all patients, including patients with a family physician or nurse practitioner ("attached") and patients without a family physician or nurse practitioner ("unattached"). During the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacists were accessible care providers for unattached patients and patients who had difficulty accessing their usual primary care providers ("semi-attached"). Before and during the pandemic, pharmacist services expanded in several Canadian provinces. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore patient experiences receiving care from community pharmacists, and their perspectives on the scope of practice of community pharmacists.

Methods: Fifteen patients in Nova Scotia, Canada, were interviewed. Participant narratives pertaining to pharmacist care were analyzed thematically.

Key findings: Attached, "semi-attached," and unattached patients valued community pharmacists as a cornerstone of care and sought pharmacists for a variety of health services, including triaging and system navigation. Patients spoke positively about expanding the scope of practice for community pharmacists, and better optimization of pharmacists in primary care.

Conclusions: System decision-makers should consider the positive role community pharmacists can play in achieving primary care across the Quintuple Aim (population health, patient and provider experiences, reducing costs, and supporting equity in health).