Implications Derived from Global Experiences of Barriers to Integrating Community Pharmacists into Primary Healthcare: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction/objectives: Primary healthcare (PHC) is a comprehensive and efficient system that promotes people’s health by providing a range of services in easily accessible locations. Integrating pharmacists into PHC has emerged as a promising approach to enhance healthcare delivery. This study aimed to explore the barriers to integrating community pharmacists into the various components of PHC. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in 2024 reviewing the evidence published between 2000 and 2024. For such purpose, multiple databases were searched including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and the Google Scholar. Results: A total of 90 studies were found to be eligible for inclusion. The study identified key challenges to pharmacists’ integration in PHC across 6 areas: governance issues such as lack of trust and regulatory barriers; financial constraints and payment problems; workforce shortages and inadequate training; infrastructure and technology limitations; restricted access to health information; and service delivery problems including poor collaboration and fragmented care. Conclusions: The study provided several barriers to pharmacists integration in PHC. In such context, the study proposed policymakers to fund sustainably, strengthen infrastructure, enact supportive policies, and promote collaboration, coordination, and expanded pharmacist roles.