Qualitative exploration of the views of healthy living champions from pharmacies in England

Background In England, the ‘Healthy Living Pharmacy (HLP)’ initiative has been trialed; positive outcomes led to national roll-out across England to 20 pathfinder sites. A HLP provides health promotion/prevention services through a structured framework to meet local population need. Non-pharmacist staff receive additional training so that they can provide these services, and are known as Healthy Living Champions (HLCs). Objectives To explore HLCs views on their role and to identify any barriers or facilitators in performing the role. Methods Fourteen semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted during February and March 2013 in NHS Dudley, and analysed using the principles of content analysis. Results Three themes emerged from the interviews; HLC job role; training; and public awareness. HLC staff showed high levels of motivation, a strong desire to help people and felt a sense of personal reward, resulting in increased levels of job satisfaction. Training had improved their confidence but they still had reservations in offering services such as alcohol intervention and weight management. All believed that public awareness was low despite advertising. Conclusion HLCs were positive toward their new role and derived job satisfaction from helping people to improve their health, although on-going training and support was perceived as important.