ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1428-5476
Current Organisation
UiT Norges arktiske universitet
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Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-055597
Abstract: To describe the pharmacists’ workflow, including tasks and time spent, to better understand their work capacity. Cross-sectional, observational, time and motion study. Community pharmacies in Western Australia and New South Wales, Australia. Currently registered and practising pharmacists were approached using snowball s ling and selected using purposive techniques to obtain balance representation of metropolitan and rural pharmacies, as well as high and low script volumes where possible. Twenty-four pharmacists across 15 pharmacies participated during the 135 sessions totalling over 274 hours of observation. Dispensing (30%), indirect patient services (17%), counselling (15%) and professional management activities (15%) were the top four duties pharmacists performed, while only 2% of time was spent on professional services such as pain clinics and influenza vaccinations. Tasks were frequently interrupted and often performed simultaneously. Breaks and consumer-contact times were limited. More time was spent on professional service activities in non-metropolitan pharmacies, in pharmacies with greater daily prescription volumes and those with one or more support pharmacists. This is the first study to quantify the pharmacists’ tasks in Australian community pharmacies. Much time is being spent on dispensing, supply and management activities with little time for providing additional professional services. An extra supporting pharmacist is likely necessary to increase professional services. These findings could support future research around barriers and enablers of conducive workflows and of extended professional services.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-06-2011
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-07-2010
DOI: 10.1007/S11096-010-9414-9
Abstract: To explore pharmacists' views on managing patients with chronic illness to understand the incentives and barriers they perceive and the solutions they propose to overcome these barriers. Hospital pharmacists, with experience in managing people with chronic illnesses, working in western Sydney, Australia, were interviewed during June and July 2008. A qualitative study involving group and in idual interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Hospital pharmacists identified lack of communication between different healthcare providers and with patients as a contributing factor to lack of continuity of care and this was perceived as a major barrier in managing patients with chronic illnesses. Pharmacists were also concerned about the effects of medication costs, and poor patient knowledge regarding their disease and medications, and the effects on adherence. Suggested solutions included taking a teamwork approach in the management of chronic illness and providing more information to patients to improve adherence. The identified incentives and barriers have provided valuable information on what pharmacists face in managing patients with chronic illness. Most of the solutions suggested by them have been tested and proven unsuccessful. Develop successful health policy to address the identified barriers remains a challenge.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2022-062148
Abstract: To explore communication about medication management during annual consultations in primary care. Design: passive participant observations of primary care consultations. Two primary care centres in southern Sweden. Consultations between 18 patients (over the age of 60 years) with chronic diseases and 10 general practitioners (GPs) were observed, audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using content analysis. Four categories emerged: communication barriers, striving for a shared understanding of medication management, evaluation of the current medication treatment and the plan ahead and behavioural changes in relation to medication management. Misunderstandings in communication, failure to report changes in the medication treatment and use of generic substitutes complicated mutual understanding and agreement on continued treatment. The need for behavioural changes to reduce the need for medication treatment was recognised but should be explored further. Several pitfalls, including miscommunication and inaccurate medication lists, for safe medication management were identified. The purpose of annual consultations should be clarified, in idual treatment plans could be used more actively during primary care consultations and efforts are needed to improve verbal communication and information continuity.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.4338/ACI-2014-08-RA-0062
Abstract: Introduction: Electronic medication administration record (eMAR) systems are promoted as a potential intervention to enhance medication safety in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). The purpose of this study was to conduct an in-practice evaluation of an eMAR being piloted in one Australian RACF before its roll out, and to provide recommendations for system improvements. Methods: A multidisciplinary team conducted direct observations of workflow (n=34 hours) in the RACF site and the community pharmacy. Semi-structured interviews (n=5) with RACF staff and the community pharmacist were conducted to investigate their views of the eMAR system. Data were analysed using a grounded theory approach to identify challenges associated with the design of the eMAR system. Results: The current eMAR system does not offer an end-to-end solution for medication management. Many steps, including prescribing by doctors and communication with the community pharmacist, are still performed manually using paper charts and fax machines. Five major challenges associated with the design of eMAR system were identified: limited interactivity inadequate flexibility problems related to information layout and semantics the lack of relevant decision support and system maintenance issues.We suggest recommendations to improve the design of the eMAR system and to optimize existing workflows. Discussion: Immediate value can be achieved by improving the system interactivity, reducing inconsistencies in data entry design and offering dedicated organisational support to minimise connectivity issues. Longer-term benefits can be achieved by adding decision support features and establishing system interoperability requirements with stakeholder groups (e.g. community pharmacies) prior to system roll out. In-practice evaluations of technologies like eMAR system have great value in identifying design weaknesses which inhibit optimal system use. Citation: Tariq A, Lehnbom E, Oliver K, Georgiou A, Rowe C, Osmond T, Westbrook J. Design challenges for electronic medication administration record systems in residential aged care facilities: a formative evaluation. Appl Clin Inf 2014 5: 971–987 0.4338/ACI-2014-08-RA-0062
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2023
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOQ-2022-002239
Abstract: Emergency department (ED) pharmacists reduce medication errors and improve quality of medication use. Patient perceptions and experiences with ED pharmacists have not been studied. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ perceptions of and experiences with medication-related activities in the ED, with and without an ED pharmacist present. We conducted 24 semistructured in idual interviews with patients admitted to one ED in Norway, 12 before and 12 during an intervention, where pharmacists performed medication-related tasks close to patients and in collaboration with ED staff. Interviews were transcribed and analysed applying thematic analysis. From our five developed themes, we identified that: (1) Our informants had low awareness and few expectations of the ED pharmacist, both with and without the pharmacist present. However, they were positive to the ED pharmacist. (2) Our informants expressed a variation of trust in the healthcare system, healthcare professionals and electronic systems, though the majority expressed a high level of trust. They believed that their medication list was automatically updated and assumed to get the correct medication. (3) Some informants felt responsible to have an overview of their medication use, while others expressed low interest in taking responsibility regarding their medication. (4) Some informants did not want involvement from healthcare professionals in medication administration, while others expressed no problems with giving up control. (5) Medication information was important for all informants to feel confident in medication use, but the need for information differed. Despite being positive to pharmacists, it did not seem important to our informants who performed the medication-related tasks, as long as they received the help they needed. The degree of trust, responsibility, control and information varied among ED patients. These dimensions can be applied by healthcare professionals to tailor medication-related activities to patients’ in idual needs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.13120
Abstract: Patients admitted to hospital on weekends have a greater risk of mortality compared to patients admitted on weekdays. Junior medical officers (JMO) make up the majority of medical staff on weekends. No previous study has quantified JMO work patterns on weekends. To describe and quantify JMO work patterns on weekends and compare them with patterns previously observed during the week. Observational time and motion study of JMO working weekends using the Work Observation Method by Activity Timing (WOMBAT Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia) software. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the proportion of total observed time spent in tasks. Weekend JMO predominately spent time in indirect care (32.0%), direct care (23.0%) and professional communication (22.1%). JMO spent 20.9% of time multitasking and were interrupted, on average, every 9 min. Weekend JMO spent significantly more time in direct care compared with weekdays (13.0% P < 0.001) and nights (14.3% P < 0.001). Weekend JMO spent significantly less time on breaks (8.5%), with less than 1 h in an 11-h shift, compared with JMO during weekdays (16.4% P = 0.004) and nights (27.6% P = <0.001). Weekend JMO were interrupted at a higher rate (6.6/h) than on weekdays (rate ratio (RR) 2.9, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.6, 3.3) or nights (RR 5.1, 95% CI 4.2, 6.1). Multitasking on weekends (20.9%) was comparable to weekdays (18.9% P = 0.19) but significantly higher than nights (6.4% P = <0.001). On weekends, JMO had few breaks, were interrupted frequently and engaged in high levels of multitasking. This pattern of JMO work could be a potential contributing factor to the weekend effect in terms of JMO abilities to respond safely and adequately to care demands.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-06-2009
DOI: 10.1007/S11096-009-9305-0
Abstract: The aim of this pilot study was to investigate cause(s) of heart failure (HF). The emergency department and medical wards at Malmö University Hospital. A cross sectional pilot study. Comparison of compliance, comprehension and optimal treatment on a population basis between men and women, younger ( 75 years) patients, and patients in different New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes, in order to assess if exacerbation could have been caused by any of these factors. Of the 47 patients included, 60% reported high compliance, with significant differences between women and men, and between patients in NYHA class IV and patients in NYHA class III. Comprehension on self-care was poor. Only 30% weighed themselves regularly and 45% did not limit the amount of fluids. No more than 28% reported they would contact a health professional in the case of experiencing more symptoms. Suboptimal treatment was also found to be a great concern. The majority were treated with recommended agents, but had not achieved target dose as recommended in the guidelines. This pilot study indicates suboptimal HF management of patients with HF prior to hospital admission due to HF exacerbation. A larger study is needed to assess the extent of the problem, and establish the need and nature of management improvement in different patient subgroups.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 23-02-2017
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-04-2020
DOI: 10.1111/IJPP.12625
Abstract: Pharmacists’ roles are expanding to delivering a wider set of professional services including medication management optimisation, vaccinations and screening services. Robust research determining whether pharmacists have the capacity to offer such services in the Australian community pharmacy setting is lacking. This protocol details a mixed methods study that investigates the variation in pharmacists’ daily tasks and the workspace they work in as a measure of their workload capacity for expanding pharmacy services. An observational time and motion study will be conducted in up to twenty community pharmacies in metropolitan and rural regions of Australia. A trained observer will follow a pharmacist and record the type, location and duration of tasks undertaken over the course of their working day. Data will be collected and analysed using the electronic Work Observation Method By Activity Timing (WOMBAT) tool. Pharmacists’ work patterns will be described as time for each task, and by proportionating multitasking and interruptions. This information will be combined with workspace data collected using floor plans, photographs and a qualitative assessment of the working environment completed by the observer. Analysis will include heat-mapped floor plans visually highlighting pharmacist movements. Pharmacists may provide solutions to the strained health workforce and system. There is limited quantitative evidence on whether pharmacists have the time or work setting to support such needs. The use of time and motion methodology is novel to Australian community pharmacy research, and the findings will provide a better understanding of pharmacists’ capacity and work environment.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.12956
Abstract: The uptake of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR) has been slowly building momentum in Australia. The purpose of the PCEHR is to collect clinically important information from multiple healthcare providers to provide a secure electronic record to patients and their authorised healthcare providers that will ultimately enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. Reasons for the slow uptake of the PCEHR and future directions to improve its usefulness is discussed later.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 07-2017
Abstract: Objective: To determine the impact of the introduction of new pre-written orders for antimicrobials in a computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system on 1) accuracy of documented indications for antimicrobials in the CPOE system, 2) appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing, and 3) compliance with the hospital’s antimicrobial policy. Prescriber opinions of the new decision support were also explored to determine why the redesign was effective or ineffective in altering prescribing practices. Methods: The study comprised two parts: a controlled pre-post study and qualitative interviews. The intervention involved the redesign of pre-written orders for half the antimicrobials so that approved indications were incorporated into pre-written orders. 555 antimicrobials prescribed before (September – October, 2013) and 534 antimicrobials prescribed after (March – April, 2015) the intervention on all general wards of a hospital were audited by study pharmacists. Eleven prescribers participated in semi-structured interviews. Results: Redesign of computerized decision support did not result in more appropriate or compliant antimicrobial prescribing, nor did it improve accuracy of indication documentation in the CPOE system (Intervention antimicrobials: appropriateness 49% vs. 50% compliance 44% vs. 42% accuracy 58% vs. 38% all p .05). Via our interviews with prescribers we identified five main reasons for this, primarily that indications entered into the CPOE system were not monitored or followed-up, and that the antimicrobial approval process did not align well with prescriber workflow. Conclusion: Redesign of pre-written orders to incorporate appropriate indications did not improve antimicrobial prescribing. Workarounds are likely when compliance with hospital policy creates additional work for prescribers or when system usability is poor. Implementation of IT, in the absence of support or follow-up, is unlikely to achieve all anticipated benefits. Citation: Baysari MT, Del Gigante J, Moran M, Sandaradura I, Li L, Richardson KL, Sandhu A, Lehnbom EC, Westbrook JI, Day RO. Redesign of computerized decision support to improve antimicrobial prescribing. Appl Clin Inform 2017 8: 949–963 0.4338/ACI2017042017040069
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJMEDINF.2019.06.011
Abstract: Qualitative studies have provided important insights into how hospital pharmacists' work changes when electronic medication management (EMM) systems are introduced. Quantitative studies of work practice change are rare. Despite the use of EMM systems internationally, there are no cross-country comparative studies of their impact on health professionals' work. We aimed to quantify and compare the type and magnitude of changes in hospital pharmacists' work pre- and post-EMM implementation in two countries. Parallel, direct observational, time and motion studies of pharmacists in Australia and England pre- and post-EMM implementation. 20 pharmacists were observed: 9 in an Australian 440-bed hospital (155 h) and 11 pharmacists in a 500-bed English hospital (258 h). The Work Observation Method By Activity Timing (WOMBAT) software was used to collect observational data. Proportions of observed time in 11 tasks by study period (pre- versus post-EMM) and site, time spent with others or alone, and using different tools (e.g computers, paper) were calculated. Magnitude of changes between pre- and post-EMM by task and country were determined using z-tests for proportions adjusting for multiple testing. At baseline, Australian and English pharmacists spent the greatest proportion of time in medication review. Post-EMM, time in medication review (Australia 21.6%-27.5% England 27.1%-33.8%) and history-taking (Australia 7.6%-13.3% England 19.5%-28.9%) significantly increased. Despite country differences in these tasks at baseline, the magnitude of changes did not significantly differ. English pharmacists increased time engaged in medication discussions with patients post-EMM (from 5.9% to 10.8% p = 0.01). The Australian rate did not change (18.0%-27.2% p = 0.09), but was higher at baseline. Post-EMM, Australian pharmacists spent 63.4% of time working alone, compared to 92.0% for English pharmacists. EMM systems impacted the same core areas of work and had a similar magnitude of effect on pharmacists' work in both countries. Anticipated reductions in medication review and history taking were not observed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2011
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 21-07-2014
Abstract: Objective: To examine the evidence regarding the effectiveness of medication reconciliation and review and to improve clinical outcomes in hospitals, the community, and aged care facilities. Data Source: This systematic review was undertaken in concordance with the PRISMA statement. Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched for relevant articles published between January 2000 and March 2014. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Randomized and nonrandomized studies rating the severity of medication discrepancies and medication-related problems identified during medication reconciliation and/or review were considered for inclusion. Data were extracted independently by 2 authors using a data collection form. Data Synthesis: Of the 5292 articles identified, 83 articles met the inclusion criteria. Medication reconciliation identified unintentional medication discrepancies in 3.4% to 98.2% of patients. There is limited evidence of the potential of these discrepancies to cause harm. Medication reviews identified medication-related problems or possible adverse drug reactions in 17.2% to 94.0% of patients. The studies reported conflicting findings regarding the impact of medication review on length of stays, readmissions, and mortality. Conclusions: The evidence demonstrates that medication reconciliation has the potential to identify many medication discrepancies and reduce potential harm, but the impact on clinical outcomes is less clear. Similarly, medication review can detect medication-related problems in many patients, but evidence of clinical impact is scant. Overall, there is limited evidence that medication reconciliation and medication review processes, as currently performed, significantly improve clinical outcomes, such as reductions in hospital readmissions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJMEDINF.2016.04.008
Abstract: To review evidence of the effectiveness of information technology (IT) interventions to improve antimicrobial prescribing in hospitals. MEDLINE (1950-March 2015), EMBASE (1947-March 2015) and PubMED (1966-March 2015) were searched for studies where an IT intervention involving any device (e.g. computer, mobile phone) was evaluated in practice. All papers were assessed for quality using a 10-point rating scale. We identified 45 articles that evaluated an IT intervention to improve antimicrobial prescribing in hospitals. IT interventions took four main forms: (1) stand-alone computerized decision support systems (CDSSs), (2) decision support embedded within a hospital's electronic medical record (EMR) or computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system, (3) computerized antimicrobial approval systems (cAAS), and (4) surveillance systems (SSs). Results reported allowed us to perform meta-analyses for three outcome measures: appropriate use of antimicrobials, patient mortality and hospital length of stay (LOS). IT interventions increased appropriate use of antimicrobials (pooled RR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.07-2.08) however no evidence of an effect was found when analysis included only studies with a quality score of five or above on the 10-point quality scale (pooled RR: 1.53, 95%CI: 0.96-2.44). There was little evidence of an effect of IT interventions on patient mortality or LOS. The range of study designs and outcome measures prevented meaningful comparisons between different IT intervention types to be made. IT interventions can improve the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing. However, high quality, systematic multi-site comparative studies are critically needed to assist organizations in making informed decisions about the most effective IT interventions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.SAPHARM.2014.06.006
Abstract: Adherence to medications for chronic disease is sub-optimal. Current adherence-enhancing strategies do not seem to adequately address the fundamental need to sustain adherence or prevent non-adherence. Intentional non-adherence, involving active medication-taking decisions, is not well described within the Australian community setting. Understanding if, how and why non-adherent decisions are made may help develop strategies to sustain adherence in chronic disease. This study aimed to describe intentional non-adherent behavior in chronic disease within the Australian community setting and identify the factors that promote and prevent non-adherent decisions. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 patients (12 rural, 9 metropolitan New South Wales) prescribed medications for a erse range of chronic conditions. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as the theoretical framework, an iterative thematic framework analysis method was used to characterize the intentions and the decisions underlying non-adherent behavior. Data were indexed and charted within the thematic framework using Excel, and linked themes were combined, and associations and explanations drawn. Although there was a strong intent to follow prescribers' recommendations, most patients described instances of intentionally non-adherent behavior. Trading between perceived treatment inefficacy, unfavorable side effects and unaffordable medication costs promoted non-adherent decisions trusting prescriber-patient relationships, positive family values and lack of perceived control over treatment choice maintained adherent intentions. Intentional non-adherence was mostly temporary. Intentional medication non-adherence in chronic disease appears reversible and amenable to interventions that address treatment-related barriers such as medication affordability. Strategies that strengthen patient-prescriber relationships and empower patients as informed decision-makers may help maintain adherence intentions. Crucially, regular and sustained interventions that are refreshed to meet the changing needs of patients are needed to curb the temporal decline in adherence to chronic disease medications.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-11-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2014
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.12384
Abstract: The personally controlled electronic health record (PCHER) was designed to bring important information together to facilitate effective communication between clinicians and so improve patient care. This national cross-sectional survey of 405 healthcare providers and consumers found that they had relatively low awareness and knowledge about the PCEHR that 62% of respondents believed that healthcare providers with access to the PCEHR would be able to provide better quality of care but only 50% of respondents would sign up to have a PCEHR.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJMEDINF.2017.02.001
Abstract: To investigate the impact of the introduction of an electronic medication management system on the proportion of patients with a recorded medication reconciliation on admission, the time from admission to when medication reconciliation was performed, and the characteristics of patients receiving this intervention pre-and post-implementation. An electronic medication management system was implemented in an Australian hospital from May to July 2015. A retrospective observational study was conducted in three wards across two phases pre- (August 2014) and post- (August 2015) implementation. The study s le included every second patient admitted to these wards. A total of 370 patients were included, 179 pre- and 191 post-implementation. The proportion of recorded admission medication reconciliation significantly increased post-implementation in all study wards coronary care unit (40 vs 68%, p=0.004), gastroenterology ward (39 vs 59%, p=0.015), and the neurology ward (19 vs 45%, p=0.002). The proportion of patients with recorded medication reconciliation within 24h of weekday admissions, or 48-72h of weekend admissions, increased from 47% pre- to 84% post-implementation. Admission medication reconciliation was recorded within a median of 1.0day for weekday admissions pre- and post-implementation (IQR 1.1 vs 0.2, respectively), and 3.5days (IQR 2.0) pre-implementation vs 1.5days (IQR 2.0) post-implementation for weekend admissions. Overall, across both phases pre-and post-implementation, admission medication reconciliation was recorded for patients who were significantly older (median 77 and 71 years, p<0.001), had a higher number of preadmission medications (median 6.5 and 5.0 medicines, p=0.001), and had a longer hospital stay (median 6.5 and 5.1days, p=0.003). A significantly higher proportion of patients with recorded medication reconciliation in the pre-implementation phase experienced polypharmacy (61%, p=0.002), hyperpolypharmacy (15%, p=0.001), and used a high-risk medication (44%, p=0.007). Implementing an electronic medication management system facilitates the medication reconciliation process leading to more high risk patients receiving this service on admission to hospital and in a more timely manner. The impact of electronic medication reconciliation on patient safety and clinical outcomes remains unknown.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-01-2015
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-049645
Abstract: The ‘emergency department (ED) pharmacist’ is an integrated part of the ED interdisciplinary team in many countries, which have shown to improve medication safety and reduce costs related to hospitalisations. In Norway, few EDs are equipped with ED pharmacists, and research describing effects on patients has not been conducted. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of introducing clinical pharmacists to the interdisciplinary ED team. In this multicentre study, the intervention will be pragmatically implemented in the regular operation of three EDs in Northern Norway Tromsø, Bodø and Harstad. Clinical pharmacists will work as an integrated part of the ED team, providing pharmaceutical care services such as medication reconciliation, review and/or counselling. The primary endpoint is ‘time in hospital during 30 days after admission to the ED’, combining (1) time in ED, (2) time in hospital (if hospitalised) and (3) time in ED and/or hospital if re-hospitalised during 30 days after admission. Secondary endpoints include time to rehospitalisation, length of stay in ED and hospital and rehospitalisation and mortality rates. We will apply a non-randomised stepped-wedge study design, where we in a staggered way implement the ED pharmacists in all three EDs after a 3, 6 and 9 months control period, respectively. We will include all patients going through the three EDs during the 12-month study period. Patient data will be collected retrospectively from national data registries, the hospital system and from patient records. The Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics and Local Patient Protection Officers in all hospitals have approved the study. Patients will be informed about the ongoing study on a general basis with ads on posters and flyers. NCT04722588 .
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 30-04-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0250898
Abstract: An expected future increase in older adults will demand changes in health care delivery, making development, implementation and evaluation of new health care models essential. The rationale for political decision-making concerning the implementation and application of interventions in health care should include cost estimations, specifically those involving clinical interventions. To provide such data knowledge of time spent on the intervention is imperative. Time and motion methodology is suitable to quantify health care personnel’s time distribution. To investigate the time distribution for pharmacists conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) implementing a clinical intervention. The setting was an RCT with a 5-step pharmacist-intervention in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team in a geriatric ward. Two pharmacists were involved in the trial during the observation period. Pharmacist activities, classified as RCT-tasks (intervention or administrative), non-RCT tasks and social/breaks, were recorded applying the Work Observation Method By Activity Timing methodology, enabling recording of predefined work tasks as well as interruptions and multitasking. One observer collected data over eight weeks. In total, 109.1 hours were observed resulting in 110.2 hours total task time, including multitasking. RCT tasks comprised 85.4% of the total observed time, and nearly 60% of the RCT time was spent on intervention tasks. Medication reviews was the most time consuming task, accounting for 32% of the observed time. The clinical pharmacists spent 14% of the intervention time communicating verbally, mainly with patients and healthcare professionals. During the RCT, the clinical pharmacists spent about half their time performing the actual intervention. Consequently, costs for providing such a clinical pharmacist service should reflect actual time spent otherwise, we may risk overestimating theoretical costs.
No related grants have been discovered for Elin Christina Lehnbom.