Extensions of Preventive Health in Addition to the Healthcare Provider

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy and Public Health
• Preventive Healthcare Delivery

Background:

• Community pharmacists are increasingly recognized for their role in public health.
• Patient willingness to utilize pharmacists for preventive services is crucial for expanding healthcare access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient willingness to use pharmacists for adult vaccinations and preventive health services.
• To identify factors influencing patient utilization of pharmacy-based preventive care.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 310 participants to gauge their interest in using pharmacists for adult vaccines and preventive health resources.
• 305 completed responses were analyzed to determine patient attitudes and behaviors towards pharmacy-based preventive services.

Main Results:

• A high degree of willingness was observed among patients to use pharmacists for preventive health services.
• Significant racial disparities were found in the willingness to receive vaccines from pharmacists (P = 0.001) and for health screenings (P = 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Most respondents are aware of and willing to use pharmacy-offered preventive services, including adult vaccines.
• Targeted educational campaigns and direct communication can address the minority hesitant to use these services.
• Pharmacy-based preventive services have the potential to improve the equitable distribution of healthcare to a wider patient population.