How the Research was Conducted

To better understand what the NSCP could do within its mandate to achieve its goal of the public realizing the benefits from pharmacists’ expanded scope of practice, it contracted Thoughtexchange to hold online focus groups with Nova Scotia pharmacists.

Two questions were asked:
1. The NSCP is exploring what it can do to ensure that your work environment supports you in providing quality care to your patients. What are your thoughts?
2. The NSCP is exploring what it can do to build your confidence and understanding in providing new scope of practice activities. What are your thoughts?

The focus group involved pharmacists’ participation in two stages: Share and Star. “Share” invited pharmacists to share their thoughts on the questions. “Star” invited participants to review all the thoughts that were collected and to vote for the ones that resonated most with them. They did this by applying virtual stars to the thoughts. Pharmacists could award more than one vote/star to a thought.

Statistics on participation:
283 participants
471 thoughts shared
15,901 stars/votes applied

Thank you to everyone who shared thoughts with the NSCP about the barriers they face in providing the expanded scope of practice.