Bridging the gap in asthma care: GPs’ and pharmacists’ experiences to develop a model of interprofessional collaboration for asthma care in primary care in Kuwait: a qualitative interview study

Abstract Objectives In Kuwait, asthma is recognised as the most prevalent chronic condition among the population. Asthma management in primary care settings remains characterised by parallel practice, where general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists work independently with minimal interaction. This study aimed to explore the experiences of GPs and pharmacists to develop a model of interprofessional collaboration for asthma treatment in primary care settings in Kuwait. Methods One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs and pharmacists. A convenience sample of GPs and pharmacists was recruited from primary care settings. Five primary care settings in each of the six districts in Kuwait were invited to participate. Participants were recruited either by directly approaching them in person or via email. Audio-recordings were transcribed non-verbatim and transcripts were thematically analysed using NVivo software. Key findings Three themes emerged from the analysis, capturing the key patterns and concepts in the participants’ interviews. Theme 1: Blurred professional boundaries and hierarchical norms reflected the limited recognition of pharmacists’ roles in asthma management beyond medication dispensing. Theme 2: Limited interprofessional trust described how the lack of mutual confidence hindered effective collaboration. Theme 3: Systemic barriers to working together included the absence of private counselling spaces, limited access to patient records, and unstructured communication, all impeding collaboration in asthma care. Conclusions Despite being co-located, GPs and pharmacists in Kuwaiti primary care experience limited collaboration. Addressing barriers at the individual, organisational, and systemic levels can support the development of a more integrated and patient-centred approach to asthma care in Kuwait and similar healthcare settings.