An evaluation of mental health clinical pharmacist independent prescribers within general practice in remote and rural Scotland

Background A 12-month pilot was implemented in two general practices in remote and rural Scotland, with patients referred by general practitioners to specialist mental health pharmacist independent prescribers. Objective The objective was to evaluate the pilot service from the perspectives of the patients and the care team. Methods The pharmacists routinely recorded patient-specific data of all clinical issues and their actions at the time of each consultation. Further datasets comprised baseline and follow-up Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and/or Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) rating scales, a patient survey and interviews with members of the care team. Results Of the 75 patients, two-thirds (n = 47, 62.7%) were referred with a diagnosis of mixed depression and anxiety. There were 324 consultations (median 3, IQR 2–5, range 1–14) and 181 prescribing actions. At pilot completion, 34 patients (45.3%) had PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 scores reduced by 50%. Patient questionnaires and staff interviews generated positive responses. Conclusion This pilot has provided evidence that specialist mental health pharmacist independent prescribers delivered quality care to patients with diagnoses of moderate to severe depression and/or anxiety. Whilst accepting study limitations, there is potential to translate the pilot model of care to sustained services throughout general practice.