Aims:
To thematically synthesise the literature regarding healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the role of pharmacists in residential aged care homes.
Methods:
A systematic search of English language literature published between January 2000 and October 2025 was undertaken across Embase, Medline, CINAHL and Web of Science. Qualitative studies addressing the research aim were eligible for inclusion. Two researchers screened and reached consensus agreement for all studies, followed by a thematic synthesis of data to identify key themes.
Results:
After removing duplicates, 1878 unique papers were identified and 39 were included for extraction. Three themes were identified with associated sub-themes. Pharmacists perform three key roles that are valued by healthcare staff: knowledge brokers and communication facilitators, support for the multidisciplinary team by filling existing gaps in care, and optimising quality use of medicines. Pharmacist roles in aged care are supported through building rapport and trust with the team, education and experience, access to information, particular attributes, organisational buy-in, favourable models of care, and role clarity. Healthcare professionals perceive three key outcomes of pharmacist input; enhanced confidence, improved workforce capacity and capability, and improved person-centred care.
Conclusion:
Pharmacists are considered valued members of multidisciplinary teams in aged care homes. This paper has identified the perceived enablers of the role, activities valued by professionals, and the perceived outcomes of such roles. These findings should be considered when implementing such roles, to optimise interprofessional collaboration. This may in turn reduce the pressures on aged care services and advance the person-centred care of older persons.