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V Vickerstaff, A Burnand, A Woodward, L Melo, J Manthorpe, Y Jani, M Orlu, C Bhanu, K Samsi, J Wilcock, G Rait, N Davies, 2247 Clinical pharmacists working in primary care supporting people living with dementia: a UK survey, Age and Ageing, Volume 53, Issue Supplement_3, August 2024, afae139.096, https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afae139.096
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Abstract
Clinical pharmacists are increasingly working as part of primary care teams in UK. Many people living with dementia live at home with the support of primary care. Given the complexity of their health problems and their use of several medications, clinical pharmacists may potentially play a crucial role in their support.
To explore clinical pharmacists’ experiences of working in primary care with people living with dementia and identify any specific training needs to provide effective support for this patient group.
An online survey sent via email in 2023 through professional organisations, social media, and utilising research team contacts. The survey covered topics including clinical pharmacists’ background, experience of working with people with dementia, and training needs.
57 clinical pharmacists responded to the survey; the mean time working as a clinical pharmacist was 9.6 years (standard deviation 8.6) and within a primary care setting was 6.1 years (standard deviation 6.1). Just over three-quarters of respondents (n = 31, 77%) work with people living with dementia. While almost two thirds (n = 35, 61%) had undertaken training for dementia care, such training often lasted a few hours (less than a day) (n = 17, 49%). Most respondents (n = 39, 89%) wanted further information or training; including non-pharmacological interventions to improve quality of life in dementia and how to support carers and relatives. Practice challenges reported included a lack of face-to-face consultations and getting assurance that the patient could safely take medications.
These findings indicate an interest in dementia care, a willingness to undertake further training but practice uncertainties that suggest a system approach might be beneficial.
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