Understanding collaborative working between GPs and community pharmacists - systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies

Background Collaborative working between General practitioners (GPs) and Community Pharmacists (CPs) has led to improvements in management of long-term conditions, and has strong policy backing, yet such joint working remains patchy and under-developed. Understanding the perspectives of GPs and CPs regarding collaboration provides insights for more sustainable collaborative practices.

Aim To understand the perspectives of GPs and community pharmacists concerning collaborative care practices, and to develop a framework of factors that influence this collaborative working relationship.

Design & setting A systematic review of qualitative studies.

Method Five databases were searched from inception to the 22^nd of April 2023 for qualitative studies exploring GP and CP views on collaborative care services. Articles were independently screened by two reviewers at title, abstract and full-text levels. Data extracted from eligible studies were analysed and synthesised thematically.

Results Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Four main themes were identified: 1) How pre-existing relationships influence mutual understanding of roles, 2) the impact of location and communication on relationship building, 3) analysis of perceived costs and benefits, and 4) the motivation to develop collaborative care practices.

Conclusion A complex interplay of factors influences GP and CP collaborative working, including pre-existing relationships, communication and mutual understanding, and the balance of costs and benefits to further develop these relationships. When planning future collaborative care practices, stakeholders must take the time and initiative to elucidate and understand these factors within their own unique healthcare setting to form lasting working relationships.