Identifying outcomes for evaluating the impact of pharmacist prescribing: A rapid overview of reviews
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Objectives
Given the expansion of pharmacist prescribing, this study aims to identify and categorise outcomes reported in research evaluating impacts of pharmacist prescribing specifically for minor ailments (or common conditions) and in other broader contexts.
Methods
A rapid overview of reviews was conducted, searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Epistemonikos using keywords relating to pharmacy/pharmacists, prescribing or minor ailments schemes, and evidence syntheses. Reviews evaluating the impact of any aspect of pharmacist prescribing were included if they reported ≥1 outcome assessing the impact of pharmacist prescribing. Data extraction focused on the clinical settings, disease areas/conditions, prescribing models and reported outcomes.
Results
Of 43 reviews included, 14 reported on outcomes of pharmacist prescribing in minor ailments, and 35 reviews in broader contexts (some reporting both). Outcomes were categorised as clinical, drug-related/prescribing, patient-reported/experience, and economic/other outcomes. For minor ailments, 14 outcomes were identified, most frequently clinical cure or symptom resolution, and cost of service delivery (both reported in n=8 reviews). In other prescribing contexts, 12 outcomes were reported, with general satisfaction being the most common (n=18), followed by clinical effectiveness and healthcare resource use (both n=15).
Conclusions
Capturing impact of pharmacist prescribing requires assessment of outcomes across multiple dimensions.
