Designated prescribing practitioners: a theory-based cross-sectional study of stakeholders’ views on implementation of a novel pharmacy regulator mandated preceptorship model

BACKGROUND: Scottish Government is increasing independent prescribers (IP) in community pharmacy (CP). A new preceptorship model using IPs as Designated Prescribing Practitioners (DPPs) has been introduced. AIM: To investigate stakeholder views of implementation of a novel regulator mandated IP course preceptorship model. METHOD: A theory-based online pre-piloted survey of stakeholders including e.g. directors of pharmacy, prescribing, education leads, policy & strategy leads and CPs. Questionnaire development used Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and a DPP Competency Framework. Data were analysed descriptively and presented with mapping to CFIR constructs. RESULTS: Of ninety-nine responses 82.5% (80/97) responded ‘yes’ to ‘..abilities in reporting concerns..’ and 53.1% (51/96) indicating ‘no’ to ‘..anticipated issues with clinical and diagnostic skills’. CFIR related facilitators included agreement that; there was tension for change with 84 (85%) indicating ‘….urgent need to implement role …’, that incentives are likely to help (6566%) and small pilots would help (8588%). Barriers were evident related to ‘unsure’ responses about sufficiency of; DPP capacity (39/97, 40.2%), time (48/96, 50%) and support and resources (4445%) to undertake the role. Concerns were expressed with 81 (83%) in agreement or unsure that leadership commitment may be lacking and 48 (48.9%) were ‘unsure’ about availability of good training for the DPP role. CONCLUSION: There was DPP role positivity but expressed barriers and facilitators at policy, organisational and individual practitioner levels needing further consideration. Further research is warranted on uptake and embedding of the role.