Pharmacist and physician perception of barriers to collaborative drug therapy management in Missouri

Abstract Background Collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM) rules were implemented in 2012 in Missouri, but community pharmacists are not working with physicians to implement services. Purpose This study aims to uncover barriers to CDTM adoption by Missouri community pharmacists. Methods A nine question, cross-sectional survey was mailed to a sample of 500 community pharmacists and 500 outpatient physicians in Missouri. Surveys were designed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding CDTM. Discussion A total of 103 community pharmacists (21.7%) and 23 outpatient physicians (4.7%) completed the survey. Pharmacists identified concern about operational barriers like time (93.2%), and reimbursement for services (80.6%). Physicians indicated concern with clinical risks, including potential disconnect between providers (70%) and inadequate pharmacist training (63.6%). Conclusions Demonstration of clinical abilities and development of working relationships with physicians is important for the implementation of CDTM. Development of standardized reimbursement models and workflow models should be further evaluated.