## 1 Introduction  
The increasing prevalence of multimorbidity and chronic conditions, particularly among the ageing population, has placed significant strain on healthcare systems worldwide [1]. In the UK, primary care services are under immense pressure due to the growing demand for chronic disease management and workforce shortages, particularly among General Practitioners (GPs) [2]. This has led to reduced job satisfaction, a decreased quality of care, and a rising burden on GPs who are tasked with managing an increasing number of complex cases. As healthcare evolves, there is a need for innovative solutions to address these challenges. One such solution is the role of the General Practice Pharmacist (GPP), introduced in Northern Ireland in 2015 as part of a broader initiative to enhance primary care services. By 2020, the service was fully implemented, and today, every GP practice in Northern Ireland has a pharmacist as an integral member of the clinical team [3]. GPPs undergo additional training beyond standard pharmacy qualifications, including primary care training programs, independent prescribing (IP) certification, and advanced clinical skills development. While no single mandatory exam exists for GPPs, structured training pathways, such as Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) programs and equivalent regional schemes, ensure their integration into GP practices, enhancing their role in chronic disease management and medication optimisation. The GPP role was designed to address the growing need for comprehensive medication management, chronic disease monitoring, and interprofessional collaboration within primary care settings [4]. By providing expert clinical support in medication optimisation and patient education, GPPs can alleviate some of the pressure on GPs, enabling them to focus on more complex cases while improving patient outcomes in the management of long-term conditions.  
The integration of GPPs into multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) has been shown to foster better collaboration and streamline care delivery, benefiting both patients and healthcare professionals [5]. GPPs contribute specialised medication expertise, support patient-centred care, and facilitate better clinical decision-making, ultimately improving patient outcomes and team efficiency. Despite the potential benefits of the GPP role, there remains limited research specifically exploring its impact on chronic disease management in Northern Ireland. While studies have demonstrated that pharmacists can play a vital role in enhancing medication adherence, optimising treatment plans, and reducing hospital admissions [6, 7], there is a gap in understanding how GPPs contribute to the management of chronic conditions in primary care settings. Moreover, little is known about how GPPs perceive their role within GP practices, the challenges they face, and the interprofessional dynamics at play. These insights are essential for maximising the effectiveness of the GPP role and improving patient outcomes.  
The rising prevalence of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory disorders, is responsible for a significant proportion of healthcare expenditure [8]. These conditions require ongoing management, making primary care the focal point for patient care. Identifying the barriers that limit GPPs' potential and the support they need to enhance their impact on patient outcomes is critical. To address this research gap, this study will explore how GPPs perceive their role in managing chronic conditions, assess their integration into GP practices, and examine how they contribute to improving patient care, optimising medication use, and fostering collaboration within primary care teams in Northern Ireland.