The CombiConsultation: Patient-centred pharmaceutical care by interprofessional collaboration

Abstract

A new pharmacotherapeutic intervention is the CombiConsultation: a consultation with the community pharmacist for patients with diabetes, COPD and/or cardiovascular disease, aligned with the annual or quarterly consultation with the practice nurse or general practitioner. During the consultation, the pharmacist focuses on the patient's personal health-related goals. The pharmacist preferably works in close proximity to the general practitioner/practice nurse. This allows recommendations for treatment adjustments to be easily discussed and implemented. The CombiConsultation has been evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively (over 800 consultations were conducted by more than 20 pharmacists), taking into account perspectives of both patients and healthcare providers. The results demonstrate that the CombiConsultation contributes to safe and effective medication use by addressing drug related problems and achieving treatment goals. Both healthcare providers and patients express positive perspectives on the CombiConsultation. A concise consultation by the pharmacist focused on the patient's personal treatment goals is a valuable addition to pharmaceutical care. For implementation, close collaboration with other healthcare providers, preferably in close proximity, is essential. It is important for patients to have insight into the role of pharmacists and their position in relation to the general practitioner and the practice nurse. Additionally, structural reimbursement is needed. Lastly, pharmacists require sufficient skills in clinical decision-making and conducting effective consultations.