Barriers and facilitators to the provision of mental health services in primary care by the community pharmacists in England: an exploratory pilot qualitative study of stakeholder’s opinion

Purpose The clinical management of mental health disorders in primary care is impeded by long waiting times, rigid referral pathways and increased workload on General Practitioners (GPs) in England. Considering this, community pharmacists have the potential to become a valuable resource for mental health service delivery. This study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators for mental health services provision by the community pharmacists in England. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory pilot qualitative study with semi-structured interviews were conducted involving practising and registered community pharmacists, GPs and Nurses in primary care as stakeholders. The participants were recruited through social media advertising and posters. Interviews were conducted online. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo 15. Findings The study engaged 12 participants. Five themes with 13 sub-themes were identified: the need for expanded primary mental health services, current perceptions of care pathways involving community pharmacists, facilitators of community pharmacist involvement (e.g. patient trust and accessibility) barriers (e.g. limited training, time, integration and documentation access) and future recommendations. Participants recognised the role of community pharmacists in conducting medication reviews, suicide risk assessments and signposting and onward referrals while highlighting the barriers impacting their effective engagement in mental health service delivery. Originality/value The exploratory pilot qualitative study presents opportunities for community pharmacists to provide mental health services in primary care. Future research can focus on the cost-benefit analysis in terms of workforce feasibility and opportunity costs for involving community pharmacists in mental health pathways.