Developing a tool to measure contributions to medication-related processes in family practice

Barbara Farrell, Kevin Pottie, Kirsten Woodend, Vivian Hua Yao, Natalie Kennie, Connie Sellors, Carmel Martin, Lisa Dolovich

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Successful team care requires a shared understanding of roles and expertise. This paper describes the development and preliminary exploration of the psychometric properties of a tool designed to measure contributions to family practice medication-related processes. Our team identified medication-related processes commonly occurring in family practice. We assessed clinical appropriateness using a sensibility questionnaire and pilot-tested with 11 pharmacists, nurses and physicians. We performed a simulated exercise to group the processes and assessed the internal consistency of the groupings using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. We examined test-retest reliability using intra-class coefficient (ICC). Following three revisions, the final Medication Use Processes Matrix (MUPM) included 22 medication-related processes and scale descriptors reflecting contribution to each process. Mean sensibility ratings were high for each component. We developed five theoretical groupings (diagnosis & prescribing, monitoring, administrative/documentation, education, medication review) and found their overall internal consistency was good (α> 0.80). The test-retest reliability was strong (ICC> 0.80). Preliminary validation showed significant differences in how health professionals view interprofessional contributions toward medication-related processes. Interprofessional care requires a negotiated understanding of processes and contributions. The MUPM provides an explicit description of medication-related processes in primary care, measures perceived contributions and emerges as a new tool to measure collaborative care in family practices.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)17-29
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Interprofessional Care
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Family physicians
  • Interprofessional team
  • Medication
  • Pharmacists
  • Questionnaire

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