Community pharmacists’ expanding roles in supporting patients before and during COVID-19: An exploratory qualitative study

Background: Timely access and attachment to a primary healthcare provider is essential for population health outcomes. Patients without a family physician or nurse practitioner (“unattached”) or who cannot access their provider when needed may seek care from a community pharmacist. Community pharmacists are highly accessible in Canada and have a broad scope of practice. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, community pharmacists took on additional roles. However, little is known about how community pharmacists managed the needs of unattached versus attached patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.Aim: To explore Nova Scotian community pharmacists’ roles in caring for patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and identifying barriers and facilitators to optimizing patient access.Method: Semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists across the province of Nova Scotia (Canada) were conducted. Data were analyzed using framework analysis.Results: Eleven community pharmacists were interviewed. Five key themes were noted: 1) rising pressure on pharmacists to meet unique health needs; 2) what pharmacists have to offer; 3) positioning pharmacists in the system; 4) pharmacist wellbeing; and 5) recommendations for practice post-pandemic.Conclusion: Before and during the pandemic, community pharmacists played a significant and increasing role in providing care to patients, especially unattached patients. With the growing number of unattached patients, it is vital community pharmacists are supported to provide additional services to care for the health needs of patients.