As an independent pharmacist, you’re a highly accessible, trusted healthcare professional in the eyes of your patients. But are you doing your part to support underserved patients in your community?
Priorities often compete and get in the way each day, and many reimbursement scenarios can keep you from patient communications that could lead to greater health equity.
Health equity means that everyone can reach their highest level of health, and your pharmacy has the power to make it obtainable.
Patients in underserved communities often lack transportation, struggle with language barriers, and are unable to access information online. This prevents them from seeking regular and preventive care. The good news is, you can help.
Break the language barrier
Educate your patient population in the languages prevalent in your community. Use technology such as QR codes for scheduling requests such as vaccinations. Multilingual staff members can connect with patients and help them through the process of scanning the code. This ensures they’ve booked the appointment correctly.
Show you can be trusted
Some communities distrust the healthcare profession. It’s up to you to show them you’re trustworthy.
Be proactive contacting different people in your community. Talk to the police and/or fire departments, local news or radio stations, and local or state politicians. By talking with them about your pharmacy, you can make sure accurate information is available for anyone with questions.
Make use of census data
Study the U.S. Census Bureau statistics for a 1.5- to 2-mile radius around your store to gain perspective on your area’s customer demographics. This will give you a good look at the people that are likely to walk into your pharmacy. Plan ahead with the information you have and put together an outreach program that will align with community characteristics.
It’s crucial that you put yourself in the shoes of area residents. Think about reasons that keep them from accessing the care they need, and come up with services you can provide to eliminate the barriers to health equity for many of your patients. Then, take action. Here’s how:
Measurement: Start measuring disparities and biases. Begin by tracking adherence by ethnicity. Look at your prior authorization (PA) approval rates by gender, and go back to see if patients request PAs at different rates based on income, gender, or other factors.
Causes: With the data in hand, you’ll better understand the root causes of the issue (education, data, etc.). With this information in mind, think about how you can make changes.
Goals: Now that you have both the data and understanding of the root causes, set some serious goals that you plan to achieve and get your organization ready to conquer them.
Pharmacies that are successful in battling against health equity are those that take proactive steps and reach the people who live in their communities, no matter how big or small. Do your part in any way you can. Communicate in your patients’ native tongue if you’re multilingual, or promote your store’s ability to partner with community leaders. Take action and deliver excellent care to the underserved populations.
Once health equity is fully realized, people won’t have to overcome obstacles when trying to access healthcare providers, facilities, and treatments. Everyone will be able to attain their highest level of health.
A Member-Owned Company Serving Independent Pharmacies
PBA Health is dedicated to helping independent pharmacies reach their full potential on the buy-side of their business. Founded and owned by pharmacists, PBA Health serves independent pharmacies with group purchasing services, wholesaler contract negotiations, proprietary purchasing tools, and more.
An HDA member, PBA Health operates its own NABP-accredited secondary wholesaler with more than 6,000 SKUs, including brands, generics, narcotics CII-CV, cold-storage products, and over-the-counter (OTC) products — offering the lowest prices in the secondary market.
