Consumer and Provider Evaluation of Rural Pharmacy Services

Abstract

This paper compares consumer and provider perceptions regarding access to pharmacy services in rural Illinois, given a decrease in the number of pharmacies. Consumer data are from the Illinois Rural Life Panel in which more than 1,800 respondents answered questions about availability and use of pharmacy services and about insurance coverage and cost. A survey of all licensed retail pharmacies in 74 rural Illinois counties and in seven non-rural counties provided pharmacy background information and was the source of data on changes in profitability and payment sources. The data provided insight on factors that affect access. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data from both groups to compare perceptions about access. The objective was to evaluate current access to pharmacy services and implications for future access from the perspective of consumers and pharmacists. Results from rural consumers show access is currently good; 77 percent have a local pharmacy, and 64 percent prefer this source. Future access is of more concern. Pharmacy survey results show 81.5 percent of rural pharmacies are experiencing declining profits from drug sales. Restricted reimbursements from third-party payers, demands of managed care and expanded competition are seen as threats to retention of local pharmacies and continued good access. An important finding, especially given survey evidence of increased managed care penetration, is the difference in views of pharmacists and consumers regarding the effects of managed care on access. Pharmacy survey data also revealed differences between rural and non-rural pharmacies.

Pharmacy Services in Rural Areas: Is the Problem Geographic Access or Financial Access?

“…not report on the availability of a pharmacy in the same town or the distances traveled to obtain pharmacy services. Straub and Straub (1999) reported that 77% of rural Illinois residents surveyed had a pharmacy in their community; less than 2% of these residents were more than 11 miles away from their local pharmacy.…”

How do Australian metropolitan and rural pharmacists counsel consumers with prescriptions?

“…Offer written information to all consumers with regular medicine(s) Assess each consumer individually to determine if they need written information, and then give it out to the consumer Assess each consumer individually to determine if they need written information, and then offer it to the consumer Give out written information only if requested by the consumer Other, please specify ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13. Please indicate which of the following best describes how you give out CMI leaflets to your consumers with their prescription medicine(s) while providing verbal information?…”

“…There is strong evidence that rural residents have high expectations of pharmacy services [11][12][13][14]. The opportunity to communicate with the pharmacist has been reported to be highly valued by rural residents, compared to their urban counterparts [11].…”

Healthy People 2010: Challenges, Opportunities, and a Call to Action for America's Pharmacists

“…[21][22][23] Community pharmacists generally are not categorized as primary care providers, but their accessibility and familiarity with their patients may make them the first health care professional sought when a problem arises. The pharmacist can provide a triage function.…”

“…Curative therapy for TB Treatment for high-risk persons with latent TB infection Timely laboratory confirmation of TB cases [14][15] Prevention services for international travelers [14][15][16] Invasive early-onset group B streptococcal disease [14][15][16][17] Peptic ulcer hospitalizations [14][15][16][17][18] Antibiotics prescribed for ear infections [14][15][16][17][18][19] Antibiotics prescribed for common cold [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Hospital-acquired infections [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] Antimicrobial use in intensive care units Vaccination coverage for children in day care, kindergarten, and first grade [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Fully immunized young children and adolescents …”