The future of pharmacy - expanding access to care

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the transformation of the pharmacy from an end-point for consumers to pick up drugs to an integrated health partner, improving access to vital care and vaccinations within communities. The roles of clinicians at pharmacies and small clinics are quickly elevating to that of a crucial member of the care team – a trend that could mean improved access to care for many.

In a recent US consumer survey commissioned by Wolters Kluwer1, 97% of respondents believe pharmacists are responsible for informing them about medication safety and effectiveness; however more than half of respondents worried about safety due to understaffing.

This underscores the pressure on the pharmacy industry with the opportunity to improve access to care deep within communities - including rural and marginalized communities - and provide more personalized, targeted medication, with the ultimate goal of more equitable care for all.

1Survey conducted with 1,006 U.S. adults, 18 and older between September 19-26, 2022.
Healthcare and Pharmacy Business Licenses
The pharmacist will see you now
As drug costs rise, healthcare decentralizes, and the role of the pharmacist shifts, a new prescription for primary care is emerging. Explore insights woven from industry experts and consumer findings.
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Key pharmacy consumer survey insights

A new survey commissioned by Wolters Kluwer found US consumers are open to new and innovative ways of saving medication costs – as long as it doesn’t compromise safety.

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More than 2 out of 5 Americans chose not to fill a prescription because of cost over the past few years

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Consumers who believe many widely used prescription drugs should be available over the counter

Figure 78% in green pie chart

Consumers who are willing to receive medication advice from a clinician other than a primary care physician

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Consumers who believe their individual genomic information could effectively guide prescription decisions

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Latest consumer pharmacy trends

Access our latest data and expert insights on the future of pharmacy through the eyes of US consumers.

Retail Pharmacy
Consumer survey on pharmacy trends
Explore key insights from the first consumer survey commissioned by Wolters Kluwer with key stats on consumer medication costs, prescribing clinicians, and precision medication.
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Female African pharmacist wearing surgical face mask checking out customer's medication prescription.
Pharmacy Next expert webinar
Hear from industry experts from Harvard Medical School, CVS Caremark, and North Dakota State University on the shifting role of the pharmacist, medication safety and access, and the rise of precision medicine.
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Pharmacy insights from our experts

Explore insights from industry and Wolters Kluwer pharmacy experts on the latest in consumer pharmacy trends and advancements utilizing our commissioned survey data.

Young female pharmacists advising older patient
Safety, access, and affordability: How the pharmacist role is shifting
The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the role of the pharmacist as an essential and accessible resource for patients, and, when integrated into the care team, can direct impact on medication safety, access, and costs.
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phamacist holding bottle of pills while using computer
Balancing the promises and realities of precision medicine
The pharmaceutical industry is rapidly shifting and precision medicine is poised to make an impact for consumers. Our expert panel weighs in on what pharmacists and clinicians should expect.
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Young pharmacist with tablet advising older patient
Genetic code or ZIP code? Equitable pharmacogenetics accounts for both
Precision medicine is poised to impact consumers’ medications. What should pharmacists and clinicians understand about the impact of both genetics and social determinants before giving a prescription?
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Pharmacy transformation in the news

Explore stories featuring consumer surveys and Wolters Kluwer experts published in leading healthcare and industry media.

Consumers eye primary care transition to retail clinics, pharmacies
Read On Patient Engagement HIT
Birth control access: Pharmacists can write prescriptions in 20 states
Read On Healthline
The big bet: Can retail pharmacy chains remake themselves into healthcare providers?
Read On MarketWatch
Primary care shifts to pharmacy and retail clinic settings, survey reveals
Read On HIT Consultant

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