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.