Community pharmacy views of the digital prescribing and dispensing pathway (DPDP) in Scotland-a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to explore opinions of actively working community pharmacists on the implementation of a digital prescribing and dispensing pathway in Scotland. METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out across Scotland. Data was collated from semi-structured interviews, informed by a topic guide, conducted across 28 community pharmacies within the three largest health board areas in Scotland; Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and Lothian. Purposive sampling was used to identify community pharmacists for participation. Initial coding by one researcher was reviewed by another, with discrepancies resolved through professional discussion. KEY FINDINGS: Considering the interview outcomes, as well as the limitations, there were high confidence levels for using Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathway (DPDP) technology but inconsistent confidence levels for the implementation of DPDP in Scotland. The pharmacists are in favour of digital innovation but are not naïve to the disruption. The key concerns predominantly come from anxieties around what the back up and support will be if the system fails, the process for claiming items dispensed, delivery of training and the threat of the online pharmacy business for independent contractors. CONCLUSIONS: Community pharmacy stakeholders have mixed perceptions of the prospects of DPDP in Scotland and are realistic about the impact it will have on the current dispensary model. This scrupulous analysis has substantiated the need for continued engagement with community pharmacists and the wider community pharmacy teams so that the DPDP product build and resultant minimum viable product are fit for purpose in creating a robust digital dispensary.