Investigating the provision, nature and associated costs of unfunded pharmacy services: A nationwide study

There is increasing evidence of pharmacists providing free or partially subsidised patient-focused services in order to meet healthcare needs. Limited information exists about the types of unfunded services and their value.

(1) Identify the types of unfunded services provided nationally in New Zealand (NZ) and (2) Determine the costs associated with service provision.

A continuous observation time-motion study was conducted across New Zealand to characterise the provision of unfunded pharmacy services and the labour costs associated with their provision. The time-motion study spanned one business day (between seven to eight hours) in each participating pharmacy. The primary investigator (YA) spent one business day in each participating pharmacy (n = 51) and recorded details about the patient-focused services that were provided. Details included the type of service provided, approximate duration of the service and out-of-pocket costs borne by the patient.

A total of 660 observations of unfunded services were recorded across the 51 pharmacies where 360 observation hours were carried out. Twenty-three types of unfunded services were identified, where minor ailments accounted for over half of the total observations. Labour costs associated with service provision were variable.

Pharmacies across New Zealand are providing patient-focused services for which no funding is being provided.