OBJECTIVES : The objective of this retrospective assessment of the implementation process of a clinical intervention, in a community pharmacy was to understand pharmacists’ perceptions of a prospective registry and practice implementation tool for diabetes care, R_xING, using the Stages of Implementation Completion (SIC) framework.

METHODS : Data was collected via two mechanisms. First, using the SIC phases and stages as a guide to evaluate the overall involvement of each of the participating community pharmacies. Second, in-depth semi-structured interviews with participating community pharmacists. Data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS : Analysis revealed that pharmacists participants engaged in many, but not all the stages and phases of the SIC. In relation to the pre-implementation phase, participants expressed the desire to demonstrate the value of pharmacists’ care to improve patient outcomes. Feasibility related responses focused on suitability of the work environments. With regards to the implementation stage, participants mentioned that often the pharmacy manager or owner received the training to operate the R_xING tool, complicating their ability to engage in regular patient recruitment and follow-up. Most pharmacies did not have specific goals relating to patient recruitment. Regarding the consultation stage, participants expressed finding the online documentation process time-consuming. Finally, participants expressed ongoing frustrations with both enrolling patients and getting them to attend follow up appointments. Most participants felt that they had not reached the sustainability phase as defined by the SIC.

CONCLUSIONS : The retrospective application of the SIC framework to the community pharmacy-based registry identified several key factors that should be considered when designing implementation strategies for community pharmacy clinical services. Providing assistance and training to pharmacies on-site, specific planning for program roll out, identifying participating staff that have the time to engage with the program, as well as troubleshooting how to best integrate programs in normal workflow processes are some key recommendations.