INNOVATIONS in pharmacy

Are they aware, are they ready? Patient's utilization of community pharmacist advanced and technology-based provided care

Maeleigh Tidd

University of Miami

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4769-3284

K. Ashley Garling-Nanez

The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0121-3836

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v17i1.6915

Keywords: community pharmacy services, telemedicine, pharmacy technology, community pharmacy practice

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Abstract

Background: Pharmacists, as the most accessible healthcare team members, are uniquely positioned to leverage technology to increase healthcare access. The increasing prevalence of technological innovations such as telemedicine, health hub programs, and e-visits, prompts the question of whether the public can benefit from pharmacist-provided care through technology.

Objective(s): The primary aim of this investigation is to evaluate patients' awareness and readiness to use technology-based pharmacist-led patient care services.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to Texas, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, New Mexico, and Arizona participants to assess patients' awareness and readiness levels to use pharmacist-provided care through technology-based solutions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the participants' level of awareness of and readiness to use the services/platforms, their prior experience with the services/platforms, and demographics. Chi-squared tests were performed on the categorical variables (corresponding to each advanced service and technology platform) by participants' demographics. 

Results: Patients were most aware of pharmacists providing immunizations (61%) and over-the-counter medication recommendations (56%) and less aware of automated medication dispensaries (78%), HealthHub (44%), and video conferences/e-visits (42%). Despite their lack of awareness, most patients reported being ready to use technology platforms in the pharmacy. Participant gender, education, and access to primary health care were found to be significantly associated with their awareness while having health insurance or a chronic health condition was found to be significantly associated with their readiness to use a service and/or technology platform. 

Conclusion: The results of this study provide another promising contribution to the literature supporting the use of technology to improve patient outcomes, increase healthcare access, and inspire and motivate the healthcare community to continue to reduce health inequities in the United States. Further work is needed to expand knowledge into the perceptions, preferences, and access of patients to further address the use of advanced and technology-based pharmacy services.