Pharmacists more "efficient and effective" after ADAPT program, study shows
New York, NY, Nov. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - Study results being released today at the North American Primary Care Research Group conference show the ADAPT online patient care skills program from the Canadian Pharmacists Association makes pharmacists feel more effective and efficient at providing outcomes-focused patient care.
Thanks to changes in reimbursement programs, pharmacists across Canada are being compensated for providing more services such as medication reviews and chronic disease management. Similarly, expanded scopes of practice are authorizing pharmacists to perform activities such as administering vaccines, prescribing and ordering lab tests. This study specifically examined the impact of ADAPT on pharmacists' confidence, efficiency and effectiveness in these areas.
More than 86% of ADAPT graduates surveyed said they agreed or strongly agreed their confidence in their patient care and collaborative skills improved after completing the program, and that they were more efficient and more effective in a variety of practice activities.
"It was very clear from the interviews the research team conducted that ADAPT graduates felt the structure and knowledge provided through the program lead to improvements in competence, and hence in their confidence," said study principal investigator Dr Barb Farrell. "Ultimately, for many this resulted in practice change. For me, this study reinforced the value of the intensive and supported e-learning approach that characterizes ADAPT."
"The study demonstrates the merit of our flagship program, ADAPT," said CPhA's CEO Perry Eisenschmid. "All of our continuing professional development programs help pharmacists prepare for expanded scope of services. However, our ADAPT program really helps pharmacists elevate their practice to the next level of patient care, both in terms of skills and confidence."
The survey, conducted by the Bruyere Research Institute and CT Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, looked at whether participating in ADAPT made a difference for pharmacists and if there were an effect on practice.
ADAPT is an award-winning interactive e-learning continuing education course. It features expert moderators, peer-to-peer learning and covers topics such as collaborating successfully with other health care professionals, interviewing patients, documenting patient care and making evidence-based clinical decisions.
SOURCE: Canadian Pharmacists Association
Jeff Morrison, Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs, Canadian Pharmacists Association, 613-523-7877 ext. 386 (phone), [email protected] (email)
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