Causes and consequences of rural pharmacy closures: a multi-case study

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Rural Health
• Pharmacy Practice

Background:

• Local rural pharmacies are vital for community healthcare access.
• Pharmacists are crucial for the continuum of care in rural areas.
• Pharmacy closures can significantly disrupt prescription drug and clinical service availability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors contributing to the closure of six rural pharmacies.
• To describe community adaptation strategies following local pharmacy loss.
• To highlight challenges in accessing pharmacy services post-closure.

Main Methods:

• Policy brief analyzing the closure of six rural pharmacies.
• Qualitative assessment of community responses and adaptation strategies.
• Identification of key factors leading to pharmacy closures.

Main Results:

• Retirement and successor recruitment difficulties were primary closure drivers for 5/6 pharmacies.
• Communities adapted via increased travel to distant pharmacies or mail-order services.
• Courier services from nearby towns were also utilized in some instances.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacy closures disproportionately affect rural residents, especially those with limited mobility or support systems.
• The loss of local pharmacies necessitates alternative access methods, posing challenges for vulnerable populations.
• Policy interventions may be needed to ensure sustained pharmacy services in rural communities.