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Advancing Public Health Through Community Pharmacy Practice
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Advancing Public Health Through Community Pharmacy Practice

A special issue of Pharmacy (ISSN 2226-4787). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmacy Practice and Practice-Based Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 October 2022) | Viewed by 31429

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Natalie DiPietro Mager

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH 45810, USA
Interests: public health; maternal and child health; women's health
Prof. Dr. David Bright

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Pharmacy, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
Interests: patient care services; ambulatory care; pharmacy practice

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Community pharmacists have long been recognized as integral to advancing public health. As highly accessible and skilled healthcare professionals, they have been essential to providing access to primary, secondary, and tertiary preventive services, as well as health education and promotion. As members of inter-professional teams, their provision of clinical services has improved patient and population health outcomes. Community pharmacists have also become increasingly involved in screening patients for social determinants of health and performing required interventions or referrals as part of clinical–community linkages. Community pharmacists have played important roles in public health initiatives; examples from the U.S. include contributing to the Million Hearts Campaign, facilitating the National Diabetes Prevention Program, and working to meet Healthy People objectives.  Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased attention to pharmacists’ contributions to public health, and many community pharmacists advanced services and programs during this time. Student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have also been vital to these efforts, and have displayed creativity and interest in this work. This themed issue will showcase the impact of community-based pharmacy practice on public health. Research or reviews, as well as thoughtful commentaries, are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Natalie DiPietro Mager
Prof. Dr. David Bright
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmacy is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • community pharmacy services
  • pharmacists
  • pharmacy technicians
  • students pharmacy
  • public health
  • population health
  • health service accessibility
  • preventive health services
  • medication therapy management
  • social determinants of health

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 202 KiB  
Editorial
Advancing Public Health through Community Pharmacy Practice
by Natalie DiPietro Mager and David Bright
Pharmacy 2023, 11(2), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy11020056 - 15 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4267
Abstract
The overarching goal of public health is to advance the health of individuals, communities, and populations [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health Through Community Pharmacy Practice)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

16 pages, 2637 KiB  
Article
Community-Centered Patient Journey Map in Opioid Use Disorder: A Tool to Address Compassion Fatigue among Community Pharmacists
by Kenneth Charles Hohmeier, Alina Cernasev, Christina Leibold, Todd M. Moore, Erica Schlesinger, Gerald Cochran, Ileana Arce, Wesley Geminn and Marie Chisholm-Burns
Pharmacy 2023, 11(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy11020052 - 14 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2728
Abstract
Community pharmacists have become increasingly exposed to opioid use disorders in recent decades. However, both pharmacist training and traditional practice environments have not been adequate to prepare the pharmacist for both the patient care needs and regulatory barriers of patients experiencing opioid use [...] Read more.
Community pharmacists have become increasingly exposed to opioid use disorders in recent decades. However, both pharmacist training and traditional practice environments have not been adequate to prepare the pharmacist for both the patient care needs and regulatory barriers of patients experiencing opioid use disorders (OUD). As a result, there is a need to increase pharmacists’ awareness of both the overall patient experience as they navigate their OUD and the role of the community pharmacy as a touchpoint within that experience. To this end, a Community-Centered Patient Journey in Drug Addiction Treatment journey map was developed with expert insights, clinical experience, and in-depth interviews (conducted in spring of 2021) with 16 participants enrolled in licensed opioid treatment programs in Tennessee. Patients, policymakers, clinicians, and academic researchers were involved in the map development. Lived experiences of key informants were captured via in-depth interviews. A consensus decision-making approach was used throughout the patient journey map development process. The final patient journey map illustrates a non-linear pathway, describes the central role of the patient’s community, and emphasizes three major “pain points” within the system (access, adherence, and affordability). Future research should investigate the impact of such a journey map on pharmacy personnel’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health Through Community Pharmacy Practice)
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21 pages, 549 KiB  
Article
Impact of a Public Health Awareness Campaign on Patients’ Perceptions of Expanded Pharmacy Services in South Dakota Using the Theory of Planned Behavior
by Sharrel Pinto, Christopher Kotschevar, Aaron Hunt, Alex Middendorf, Christopher Robbins, Erin Miller and Deidra Van Gilder
Pharmacy 2022, 10(6), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10060178 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2844
Abstract
Background: Pharmacists can offer medication expertise to help better control diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and improve patient outcomes, particularly in rural communities. This project evaluated the impact of an awareness campaign on perceptions of expanded pharmacy services. Methods: The “Your [...] Read more.
Background: Pharmacists can offer medication expertise to help better control diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and improve patient outcomes, particularly in rural communities. This project evaluated the impact of an awareness campaign on perceptions of expanded pharmacy services. Methods: The “Your Pharmacists Knows” campaign included a 30-s commercial, print material, and media announcements. A non-randomized pre-post study was completed using a modified theory of planned behavior (mTPB) to assess knowledge, attitude, perceived benefits and norms, and perceived control. A 73-item survey was administered to a convenience sample (n = 172) across South Dakota. Regression models to assess intent and utilization were conducted using age, gender, race, education, population, and insurance status as predictors for mTPB constructs. Results: Most common predictors were female gender and higher education level (p < 0.001). All mTPB constructs were significant predictors of intent to use services (p < 0.001). Knowledge and perceived control had the largest influence on intent. Additionally, there was significant improvement in post-campaign service utilization (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This campaign positively influenced intent to seek and utilize services in rural communities where pharmacies may be the only healthcare option for miles. Through targeted campaigns, patients with diabetes or CVD may find access to services to better manage their conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health Through Community Pharmacy Practice)
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9 pages, 218 KiB  
Article
Clinical Pharmacy Services Enhanced by Electronic Health Record (EHR) Access: An Innovation Narrative
by Zach J. Krauss, Martha Abraham and Justin Coby
Pharmacy 2022, 10(6), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10060170 - 5 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3871
Abstract
Background: Patient care in the community pharmacy setting is often hindered due to limited access to adequate patient health information (PHI). Various studies suggest that lack of access to PHI is a main reason for delay in pharmaceutical care, medication dispensing errors, and [...] Read more.
Background: Patient care in the community pharmacy setting is often hindered due to limited access to adequate patient health information (PHI). Various studies suggest that lack of access to PHI is a main reason for delay in pharmaceutical care, medication dispensing errors, and lacking interprofessional relationships between prescribers and pharmacists. Literature has shown that interprofessional collaboration and improved access to PHI can improve transitions of care and communication for pharmacists, but literature is sparse on implementation of electronic health record (HER) access within independent community pharmacies. Methods: This observational study follows implementation of HER access into a rural community pharmacy to enhance common clinical services carried out by pharmacy staff. Metrics include number of enhanced consultations by pharmacy staff, type of consultations provided, potential reimbursement, decreased need to follow up with other providers, potential for decreased time to treatment or refills, and aspects of EHR most utilized during search. Results: Two-hundred sixty three patients’ profiles were assessed, with 164 (62.4%) deemed appropriate for EHR access and searching. Most interventions made were related to cardiovascular, endocrinologic, neuropsychiatric, and COVID-19 therapy medications. Conclusion: EHR access in community pharmacy has the potential to improve both the quality and availability of clinical patient interventions through enhanced knowledge of PHI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health Through Community Pharmacy Practice)
11 pages, 645 KiB  
Article
Development of a Protocol Using the Delphi Method for the ad interim Supply of Hormonal Contraceptives in Swiss Pharmacies
by Tamara Yous, Esther Spinatsch, Samuel Allemann and Monika Lutters
Pharmacy 2022, 10(6), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10060168 - 2 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2067
Abstract
(1) Background: Pharmacists are often challenged with situations where women are already on hormonal contraceptives (HC) but have no valid prescription. By Swiss law, pharmacists are allowed to supply prescription-only drugs in exceptional situations without a physician’s prescription. Because eligibility for HC can [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Pharmacists are often challenged with situations where women are already on hormonal contraceptives (HC) but have no valid prescription. By Swiss law, pharmacists are allowed to supply prescription-only drugs in exceptional situations without a physician’s prescription. Because eligibility for HC can change, women at risk for complications, such as serious side effects, need to be identified. We aimed to develop a protocol to assist pharmacists in clarifying and documenting eligibility for HC. (2) Methods: We conducted a survey using the Delphi method to identify relevant clarifications and develop a protocol for pharmacists. Proposed material was created based on the literature and existing toolkits/protocols aimed at verifying eligibility for HC. A multidisciplinary expert panel, consisting of gynecologists and pharmacists, reviewed the proposed material and provided anonymized feedback over two survey cycles. (3) Results: This Delphi survey revealed items essential to the clarification of eligibility for HC in pharmacies for women who are already using it. This resulted in a protocol that maps “best practices” regarding these ad interim supplies of HC given without a prescription in Switzerland. (4) Conclusions: This survey, made using the Delphi method, allowed us to create a protocol for pharmacists that aims to verify and document eligibility for HC in Switzerland, where HC is frequently supplied without a prescription. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health Through Community Pharmacy Practice)
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14 pages, 258 KiB  
Article
National Survey of Pharmacist Awareness, Interest, and Readiness for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
by Elizabeth S. Midey, Alexis Gaggini, Elaine Mormer and Lucas A. Berenbrok
Pharmacy 2022, 10(6), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10060150 - 12 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2449
Abstract
Hearing loss is a major public health concern, affecting over 30 million Americans. Few adults who could benefit from hearing aids use them. Hearing aids are now available over-the-counter (OTC) for persons with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Community pharmacies will sell OTC hearing [...] Read more.
Hearing loss is a major public health concern, affecting over 30 million Americans. Few adults who could benefit from hearing aids use them. Hearing aids are now available over-the-counter (OTC) for persons with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Community pharmacies will sell OTC hearing aids to increase public access to hearing healthcare. The purpose of this study was to describe pharmacist awareness, interest, and readiness to offer OTC hearing aids at community pharmacies. A multiple-item online survey was designed using the Theory of Planned Behavior and responses were collected from licensed pharmacists from July 2021 to December 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the 97 responses collected. Most respondents were not aware of the upcoming OTC hearing aid availability. Most respondents were somewhat or very interested in increasing their knowledge on OTC hearing aids, selling OTC hearing aids, and assisting patients with OTC hearing aid selection. Most respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that they had the necessary knowledge to counsel patients on OTC hearing aids. The most reported supporting factor was training and educational resources. OTC hearing aids are a unique public health initiative which will expand patient access to hearing health care to community pharmacies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health Through Community Pharmacy Practice)
24 pages, 309 KiB  
Article
Description of a Pharmacy COVID Champion Service in South East London to Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy
by Ricarda Micallef, Raj Matharu, Abigail Barry and Vanessa Burgess
Pharmacy 2022, 10(6), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10060143 - 28 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2093
Abstract
In the United Kingdom, COVID vaccinations were rolled out from December 2020. In July 2021 in South East London there were areas of high COVID prevalence and low vaccination uptake. Therefore, a COVID champion service was launched in community pharmacies enabling pharmacy teams [...] Read more.
In the United Kingdom, COVID vaccinations were rolled out from December 2020. In July 2021 in South East London there were areas of high COVID prevalence and low vaccination uptake. Therefore, a COVID champion service was launched in community pharmacies enabling pharmacy teams to have conversations with patients regarding the vaccination programme and their concerns and signposting as needed. The aim of the project was to evaluate the impact of the service on COVID vaccination uptake and perceptions of pharmacy teams. Quantitative data was received from pharmacy interaction records plus a pharmacy survey. In addition, qualitative data was received through interviews with 12 pharmacists involved in the service, which was analysed using content analysis, along with interviews with commissioner representatives. Between July and October 2021, 8539 conversations took place. From these 6094 patients agreed to vaccination, with 2019 initially hesitant patients converted. Lack of understanding, risk of blood clots and cultural concerns were the largest areas of hesitance. Pharmacy teams were happy to support conversation and local working with knowledge and confidence. Engagement within the team was the biggest enabler, with pressure to deliver other services being the biggest barrier. These results show the value of community pharmacy teams, having conversations with the public, addressing concerns where applicable, and signposting to the appropriate sites so patients are supported to achieve maximum health outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health Through Community Pharmacy Practice)

Review

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11 pages, 261 KiB  
Review
The U.S. Travel Health Pharmacists’ Role in a Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era
by Keri Hurley-Kim, Karina Babish, Eva Chen, Alexis Diaz, Nathan Hahn, Derek Evans, Sheila M. Seed and Karl M. Hess
Pharmacy 2022, 10(5), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10050134 - 15 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3929
Abstract
Background: Many countries have enforced strict regulations on travel since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic in December 2019. However, with the development of several vaccines and tests to help identify it, international travel has mostly resumed in the United States (US). [...] Read more.
Background: Many countries have enforced strict regulations on travel since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic in December 2019. However, with the development of several vaccines and tests to help identify it, international travel has mostly resumed in the United States (US). Community pharmacists have long been highly accessible to the public and are capable of providing travel health services and are in an optimal position to provide COVID-19 patient care services to those who are now starting to travel again. Objectives: (1) To discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the practice of travel health and pharmacist provided travel health services in the US and (2) to discuss the incorporation COVID-19 prevention measures, as well as telehealth and other technologies, into travel health care services. Methods: A literature review was undertaken utilizing the following search engines and internet websites: PubMed, Google Scholar, Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the United States Department of Health and Human Services to identify published articles on pharmacist and pharmacy-based travel health services and patient care in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many country’s entry requirements which may now include COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and/or masking requirements in country. Telehealth and other technological advancements may further aid the practice of travel health by increasing patient access to care. Conclusions: Community pharmacists should consider incorporating COVID-19 vaccination and testing services in their travel health practices in order to meet country-specific COVID-19 entry requirements. Further, pharmacists should consider utilizing telehealth and other technologies to increase access to care while further limiting the potential spread and impact of COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health Through Community Pharmacy Practice)

Other

10 pages, 552 KiB  
Perspective
Beyond Contraception: Pharmacist Roles to Support Maternal Health
by Natalie DiPietro Mager, David Bright and Allie Jo Shipman
Pharmacy 2022, 10(6), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10060163 - 30 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3441
Abstract
While contraception prescribing by pharmacists has seen rapid growth in recent years, pharmacist-provided services that can impact maternal health encompass more than just contraception. Each phase of maternal health—preconception, pregnancy, and post-pregnancy—has unique needs, and pharmacists are well equipped to provide services to [...] Read more.
While contraception prescribing by pharmacists has seen rapid growth in recent years, pharmacist-provided services that can impact maternal health encompass more than just contraception. Each phase of maternal health—preconception, pregnancy, and post-pregnancy—has unique needs, and pharmacists are well equipped to provide services to meet those needs and are more accessible than other healthcare providers. While pharmacist-provided maternal health services may lead to significant savings to the healthcare system, additional research to more fully capture the value of pharmacist-provided maternal health services is needed. Robust implementation of a pharmacist-provided maternal health services program will require partnerships between providers, payers, and pharmacists. Infant and maternal mortality, preterm birth, and unintended pregnancies are significant public health issues, and pharmacists should be seen as a capable workforce who can provide needed maternal health care and serve as a gateway into the healthcare system for those capable of pregnancy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health Through Community Pharmacy Practice)
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7 pages, 695 KiB  
Brief Report
Implementation of a Health Risk Assessment into Workflow of the Appointment-Based Model at an Independent Community Pharmacy
by Erica Jackson, Stephanie Harriman McGrath, Joni C. Carroll, Melissa Somma McGivney, Samantha Pitzarella and Kim C. Coley
Pharmacy 2022, 10(6), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10060148 - 6 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2135
Abstract
Health risk assessments (HRAs) are tools used to collect information on patients’ current health conditions, personal and family medical history, and lifestyle factors that can impact their overall health. The objectives of this pilot project were to implement an HRA as part of [...] Read more.
Health risk assessments (HRAs) are tools used to collect information on patients’ current health conditions, personal and family medical history, and lifestyle factors that can impact their overall health. The objectives of this pilot project were to implement an HRA as part of the appointment-based model workflow and to assess the resulting pharmacy-patient-care service opportunities. Sixteen HRA questions from a single health plan were incorporated into the appointment-based model workflow at an independent community pharmacy. Questions were administered either telephonically or in person over two patient encounters. Pharmacy staff were trained on how to administer the HRA, what to do if patients needed immediate assistance, how to provide referrals, and how to document of responses. Forty-nine patients were contacted and 38 (77.6%) completed the HRA. The median time for HRA completion was 19 min and the identified opportunities were vaccination (49), smoking cessation (15), diabetes prevention program (14), asthma control assessments (8), and substance use disorder screening and referral (3). This pilot project demonstrates that community pharmacies can implement HRAs and utilize the results to identify new pharmacy-patient-care service opportunities that can contribute to improved patient care and practice sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health Through Community Pharmacy Practice)
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