Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41737146›Full record

ArticlePatient preference and adherence2026

Patients' Perspectives on the Role of General Practice-Based Pharmacists: A Focus Group Study.

Ankie Hazen, Thomas Kempen, Anne Leendertse, Marcel Bouvy, Liset van Dijk, Dorien Zwart

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Patient preference and adherence, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Ankie HazenJulius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of General Practice & Nursing Science, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0001-8769-1278
Thomas KempenDivision of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Anne LeendertsePatient Advocate, Egmond aan Zee, the Netherlands.
Marcel BouvyDivision of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0002-4596-0684
Liset van DijkNivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0003-3277-4740
Dorien ZwartJulius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of General Practice & Nursing Science, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: An aging population, increasingly complex health conditions, and high workloads in primary care highlight the need for more efficient healthcare organisation. Integrating pharmacists into general practice can improve pharmacotherapeutic care and reduce hospital admissions. In the Netherlands, this collaborative model is being explored for broader implementation. Limited research has examined how patients perceive the role of pharmacists within general practice settings. Aim: What are the perspectives of patients using chronic medications on the role of general practice-based pharmacists?. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study using focus group interviews was conducted with patients from five health centers in the Netherlands. Between May and September 2024 five focus groups were held: two with patients who had experience with pharmacist services in general practice, three with inexperienced patients. The inclusion criterion was the use of at least one medication on a chronic basis; no exclusion criteria were applied. An independent patient representative moderated the session, using a semi-structured topic guide. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis in NVivo 12. Results: A total of 31 patients participated, with five to eight in each group. Patients recognised and trusted general practice-based pharmacists for their expertise in complex pharmacotherapy, clear role distinction from GPs and community pharmacists, and strong communication skills. Key enablers of trust included secure data handling, adequate funding, and accessibility. Pharmacists were valued for delivering personalised, proactive care, contributing to multidisciplinary networks, and reducing GP workload. It was also suggested that a pharmacist working across both community pharmacy and general practice may offer added value, though this hybrid role could potentially lead to fragmented care. Conclusion: Overall, patients perceived the role of the general practice-based pharmacist as a valuable addition to primary care, particularly in the management of complex medication regimens. Trust in the pharmacist's new role and clear delineation of responsibilities between health care professionals are crucial for success.

Indexed as

general practitionersmedicationpatient perspectivespharmacistsprimary health care

Identifiers

PMID41737146
PMCPMC12927855

What Socratic holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.