Coaching strategies for the Flip the Pharmacy practice transformation initiative in Pennsylvania independent community pharmacies.

BACKGROUND: Flip the Pharmacy (FtP) is a nationwide initiative to scale practice transformation in community pharmacies. Participating pharmacies are coached through monthly practice transformation initiatives and document their patient-care activities through Pharmacist electronic Care (eCare) Plans. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify peer coaching strategies to facilitate practice transformation in Pennsylvania community pharmacies. METHODS: This was a qualitative study using semistructured interviews with practice transformation coaches and pharmacy champions participating in Pennsylvania's FtP program. The interview guide was informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and elicited information using the intervention characteristics, inner setting, characteristics of individuals, and process domains. Interviews were conducted in person or via telephone over a 3-month period. An inductive qualitative thematic analysis was performed to identify coaching strategies. RESULTS: A total of 18 key informants were interviewed: 6 pharmacy champions and 12 practice transformation coaches. The following 5 coaching strategies emerged: (1) learn to use the pharmacy's specific Pharmacist eCare Plan software, (2) build a trusting relationship with the pharmacy, (3) engage all pharmacy team members in practice transformation, (4) adapt communication strategies to the pharmacy's preference, and (5) tailor goals to the pharmacy's stage of practice transformation. CONCLUSION: This study elicited 5 peer coaching strategies to support community pharmacy practice transformation initiatives. These findings can be used to further practice transformation efforts in community pharmacies through FtP and other initiatives aimed at expansion of community pharmacy patient care services.