Introduction. Physical comorbidities contribute to the significant life expectancy gap between consumers living with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and the general population. As medications are a major treatment modality for many mental and physical illnesses, pharmacists are well-positioned to provide mental and physical healthcare services.

Aims. To describe the implementation of a Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial (C-RCT) testing the effectiveness of an individualised, pharmacist-led support service for people living with SPMI focusing on medication adherence and the management of physical comorbidities (PharMIbridge), compared to usual care (medication management service; MedsCheck).

Methods. Community pharmacies in four Australian regions were randomised to the PharMIbridge Intervention Group (IG) or Comparator Group (CG). Participating pharmacy staff received Blended-Mental Health First Aid training. While IG pharmacists received training on adherence, goal setting, motivational interviewing, managing physical health concerns and complex issues relating to psychotropic medication, CG pharmacists received no additional training. IG pharmacies were supported by consumer and pharmacist mentors. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated various adaptations to be able to continue the C-RCT implementation.

Results. Fifty-nine community pharmacies were randomised to IG (n=28) or CG (n=31), across four trial regions. Consumer participant recruitment and service delivery ran from September 2020-December 2021. In total, 169 (IG) and 163 (CG) consumers completed baseline data collection. COVID-19 impacts included changes to trial regions, switching to online training for mentors, filming of expert trainers remotely, the inability to conduct site visits supporting implementation, and delays in data collection.

Discussion. The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges to implementing the PharMIbridge C-RCT. However, by being flexible and adapting as required, the research team and partners were able to implement the C-RCT in line with the study protocol.1 PharMIbridge pharmacists were able to provide crucial support to people living with SPMI during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.