Health Disparities in Pharmacy Practice Within the Community: Let's Brainstorm for Solutions

Abstract

Health disparity is defined as a type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic and/or environmental disadvantage. Over the past two decades, major efforts have been undertaken to mitigate health disparities and promote health equity in the United States. Within pharmacy practice, health disparities have also been identified to play a role in influencing pharmacists' practice across various clinical settings. However, well-characterized solutions to address such disparities, particularly within pharmacy practice, are lacking in the literature. Recognizing that a significant amount of work will be necessary to reduce or eliminate health disparities, the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences held a webinar in June 2021 to explore pertinent issues related to this topic. During the session, participants were given the opportunity to propose and discuss innovative solutions to overcome health disparities in pharmacy practice. The goal of this perspective article is to distill the essence of the presentations and discussions from this interactive session, and to synthesize ideas for practical solutions that can be translated to practice to address this public health problem.

Financial indicators utilization among community pharmacists: A comprehensive study for pharmacy management

“…Targeted approaches, accounting for regional differences, can help pharmacists in less favorable regions improve their financial practices and, therefore, their overall financial performance. These potential solutions can inform regional support systems and policies to address disparities and improve financial practices, in line with previous research findings [40,41].…”

Professional stigma towards clients with methamphetamine use disorder – a qualitative study

“…However, there is a plethora of literature about existing healthcare disparities in pharmacy practice. These disparities stem from structural inequity, social determinants of health, and practitioner-based biases towards marginalised and socially excluded populations (Hurley-Kim et al, 2022 ; Wenger et al, 2016 ). The WHO (World Health Organisation), lists many social determinants which can influence health equity, such as socioeconomic status, education, housing, food, social inclusion and non-discrimination.…”

“…This can be achieved by tailoring interventions and solutions at the organisational level towards gaps in knowledge of pharmacists towards marginalised populations. Such interventions should target the enhancement of the role of pharmacists in addressing and understanding social determinants of health, starting with social inclusion and non-discrimination (Foster et al, 2021 ; Hurley-Kim et al, 2022 ; Kiles et al, 2022 ; Wenger et al, 2016 ).…”

Worldwide characteristics and trends of pharmacist interventions contributed to minimize health disparities

“…Prior studies in the United States and globally have revealed disparities in pharmacy services and medication management in term of access to and utilization of guideline‐recommended medications, medication accessibility and affordability, medication adherence, and understanding of diseases, medications, and healthy lifestyles 3‐11 . Pharmacists are members of the multidisciplinary health care team and are well positioned to help reduce health disparities through education, medication therapy, and improving access to care 12,13 . They are often the most accessible health care provider in many countries, and pharmacists' roles have broadened and continue to undergo dynamic changes globally.…”

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Pharmacists are members of the multidisciplinary health care team and are well positioned to help reduce health disparities through education, medication therapy, and improving access to care. 12,13 They are often the most accessible health care provider in many countries, and pharmacists' roles have broadened and continue to undergo dynamic changes globally. The pharmacist's role varies from operational responsibilities such as medication dispensing and order verification to direct patient care in immunization delivery and pointof-care testing.…”