Community pharmacists: members or bystanders of the primary care multidisciplinary team?

Objectives This study investigated who community pharmacists (CPs), general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses (PNs) included in their multidisciplinary team (MDT), whether they felt part of the MDT, barriers and facilitators to multidisciplinary working and whether the extent of the CPs' clinical role influenced being part of a MDT. Methods Survey to CPs, GPs and PNs in south England. Participants were recruited using social media, journal ads and face-to-face visits/phone calls using NHS and professional networks. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses and content analysis for open text. Key Findings Two hundred and fourteen GPs, 147 PNs and 162 CPs responded. Nearly, all PNs (98%) and GPs (99%) considered themselves part of a MDT compared to 78% of CPs. Working in isolation, lack of time and a lack of information sharing were the most common reasons for not feeling part of a MDT. The extent of the CPs' clinical role was not related to feeling part of a MDT. Conclusions Greater investment is needed in the structures to support multidisciplinary working in terms of time and resources, as well as a greater awareness of MDT members' roles and potential contribution.