Consumer data insights on pharmacy utilization: Comparative study of 2015 and 2021 surveys

Understanding the evolution of consumer behavior in pharmacy selection is crucial for delivering patient-centered and technology-driven health care.

To identify factors influencing consumer pharmacy choice using 2021 National Consumer Survey on the Medication Experience and Pharmacists' Roles and to examine how these factors have evolved over time using 2015 data as a baseline.

All variables were harmonized with the 2015 dataset to ensure comparability. Guided by the Andersen Behavioral Model, descriptive analyses and logistic regression were performed on 2021 survey data (N = 1521) to evaluate factors influencing pharmacy selection, and results were compared with 2015 findings to assess evolving trends.

Younger adults (18-33) increasingly favored prescription-only pharmacies (odds ratios [OR] = 3.523), while older adults (70+) preferred mail-order pharmacies. Use of mail prescriptions rose by 11.7% and remained a strong predictor of mail pharmacy use (OR = 30.29). Vaccination (+20%) and drive-thru utilization (+7.8%) increased substantially and were associated with chain pharmacies (OR = 1.404; OR = 2.500). In contrast, traditional predictors such as education, financial hardship, over-the-counter/herbal use, and medication side effects declined in relevance.

Consumer preferences have shifted toward convenience-based and contactless pharmacy models, a trend that has continued beyond 2021. These changes highlight the need for pharmacists to adapt service delivery approaches and for health informatics professionals to strengthen digital infrastructure supporting patient-centered care.