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Leow JL, Lin K, Chew L. Patient satisfaction and behavioural intention in using the home medication delivery service in an ambulatory oncology centre. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2023; 29:22-32. [PMID: 34661467 DOI: 10.1177/10781552211050873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has increased usage of medication delivery service (MDS) significantly. MDS improves adherence to medication and clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES To study behavioral change factors that affect adoption of MDS, determine existing patient satisfaction level, and make recommendations to improve MDS adoption. METHODS A single-institution, cross-sectional survey was conducted at the outpatient pharmacy of the largest ambulatory cancer centre in Singapore. The survey consisted of sections on demographics, Theory of Planned Behavior constructs and patient satisfaction questions. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were used. RESULTS A total of 881 patients responded. Respondents were mostly Chinese, female and subsidized patients, with a mean age of 62.4 years old. MDS use is strongly predicted by favourable attitude (OR 3.54, 95%CI 2.64-4.75; p < 0.001) and subjective norm (OR 3.07, 95%CI 2.30-4.09; p < 0.001) towards its use and greater perceived behavioral control (OR 2.48; 95%CI 1.86-3.30; p < 0.001). Being ill or frail has been identified as facilitators, while absence of face-to-face consultation and cost of delivery were barriers to the adoption of MDS. Encouragingly, the satisfaction level of our existing patients was generally high (80.2, SD16.7). Recommendation to improve MDS adoption targets facilitators and barriers identified and aims to further elevate patient satisfaction level. Establishment of a centralised pharmacy for MDS together with a call centre would be essential in the long run. CONCLUSIONS MDS is becoming increasingly important, in line with our national strategy. Implementation of suggested short-term and long-term measures will encourage its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Lene Leow
- 68751National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Keegan Lin
- 68751National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lita Chew
- 68751National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,37580National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Burbage SC, Parikh MA, Campbell PJ, Ramachandran S, Gatwood J, Ozawa S, Urick BY. Associations between pharmacy choice and influenza vaccination: Mail order vs community pharmacy users. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2022; 28:1379-1391. [PMID: 36427345 PMCID: PMC10373029 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2022.28.12.1379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite the effectiveness of vaccines, US adult vaccination rates remain low. This is especially true for the influenza vaccine, which is recommended annually and widely available. The accessibility of community pharmacies as convenient places to receive influenza vaccines has been shown to increase uptake. However, use of mail order pharmacies may reduce in-person pharmacist encounters and reduce the likelihood that users receive annual influenza vaccines. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between the type of pharmacy a patient uses and their likelihood of receiving an influenza vaccine. METHODS: This cross-sectional cohort study used the 2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to observe noninstitutionalized US adult pharmacy users. Pharmacy type was dichotomized into community use only vs any mail order pharmacy use. Multivariable weighted logistic regression was used to identify associations between the type of pharmacy used and influenza vaccination, adjusting for sociodemographic, health status, and health care access and utilization confounders. All analyses were stratified by age (< 65 and ≥ 65 years). RESULTS: The aged younger than 65 years and aged 65 years and older samples had 8,074 and 4,037 respondents who represented 95,930,349 and 40,163,276 weighted observations, respectively. Compared with community pharmacy users, mail order users were more likely to be aged 65 and older, be White, have high income, and have a usual source of care (P < 0.0001). Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for influenza vaccination were significantly lower among community pharmacy users than mail order users among individuals aged younger than 65 years (AOR=0.71; 95% CI = 0.580.87) but was not significant among those aged 65 years and older (AOR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.69-1.09). CONCLUSIONS: Community pharmacy users aged younger than 65 years are less likely to receive the influenza vaccine than their mail order pharmacy user counterparts. These counterintuitive results could be caused by residual confounding due to differences in factors that influence pharmacy use type and vaccination likelihood. Further exploration is needed to account for differences between these populations that independently drive vaccination choice. DISCLOSURES: Dr Burbage was a fellow in the Real World Evidence, Population Health and Quality Research Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in collaboration with University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy and Pharmacy Quality Alliance, and supported by Janssen Scientific Affairs at the time of this study. She is now employed by Janssen Scientific Affairs. Dr Parikh is an employee of Pharmacy Quality Alliance. Dr Campbell was employed by Pharmacy Quality Alliance at the time of the study. He is now employed by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA. Dr Ramachandran has received an unrelated research contract with Pharmacy Quality Alliance. Dr Gatwood has received vaccine-related research grants from Merck & Co. and GlaxoSmithKline unrelated to this project and consulting fees for a vaccine-related expert panel with Merck & Co. unrelated to this manuscript and is an advisory board member with Janssen Scientific Affairs. Dr. Urick was employed by the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the time of this writing and is currently employed by Prime Therapeutics. He has received community pharmacy-related consulting fees from Cardinal Health and Pharmacy Quality Solutions unrelated to this work. Dr Ozawa has a research grant from Merck & Co. unrelated to this project. This project did not receive funding from any agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabree C Burbage
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy
- Janssen Scientific Affairs
| | | | - Patrick J Campbell
- Pharmacy Quality Alliance, Alexandria, VA
- Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ
| | | | - Justin Gatwood
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Nashville
| | - Sachiko Ozawa
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy
| | - Benjamin Y Urick
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy
- Prime Therapeutics
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AbuBlan RS, Awad W, Agha R, Hejawi N, Srouji H, Hammoudeh S, Nazer LH. Impacts of a Mail-Order Service for Refilling Prescriptions on Patient Satisfaction and Operational Load at a Comprehensive Cancer Center in Jordan. Hosp Pharm 2021; 56:543-549. [PMID: 34720159 DOI: 10.1177/0018578720928266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Mail-order services for refilling prescriptions for medications have been established in many countries and have increased patient satisfaction. We developed a mail-order service for the outpatient pharmacy of a comprehensive cancer center in Jordan. Objective To describe the implementation of a mail-order service and to report the impact of the service on patient satisfaction and the pharmacy workload. Methods A multidisciplinary team was formed to plan a mail-order service for refilling prescriptions for medications, and a survey was designed to evaluate patient satisfaction with the service. Patients were instructed to call the refill call center and order their medications at least 48 hours before their refill is due. The pharmacy workflow for refilling prescriptions was evaluated, and the time required with and without the mail-order service was documented, with a calculation of the time saved. Results At 1 year after the mail-order service had been established, 14 200 prescriptions had been refilled through the service, with the majority (97.5%) dispensed within 48 hours of the order time. As per the survey conducted with 219 patients, on the overall satisfaction, 69.4% reported being highly satisfied with the service and 27.9% reported being satisfied. The problems reported with the service were delay in arrival (n = 23, 10.5%), medication-related errors (n = 9, 4.1%), cash-related error (n = 1, 0.45%), improper storage condition (n = 1, 0.45%), and delivery to the wrong address (n = 4, 1.8%). The service was also associated with reduced overall time for processing in the outpatient pharmacy service; for patients receiving their medications from the pharmacy, resulting in reduced patients' overall waiting time (from 11.4 to 8.2 minutes). The service resulted in saving of 0.4 full-time employee at 1 year of implementation. Conclusions A mail-order service for refilling prescriptions within a hospital setting had positive outcomes on both patient satisfaction and the pharmacy workflow. The major issues were related to transportation and logistics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wedad Awad
- King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Randa Agha
- King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
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Student Pharmacists' Perceptions of Amazon Pharmacy. PHARMACY 2021; 9:pharmacy9040166. [PMID: 34698273 PMCID: PMC8544649 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy9040166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amazon recently launched their online pharmacy in the United States (US). However, no studies have explored student pharmacists’ perceptions of the potential impact of Amazon Pharmacy. This qualitative study used individual semi-structured interviews to examine third- and fourth-year student pharmacists’ perceptions of how Amazon Pharmacy will affect economic, clinical, and humanistic outcomes; the pharmacy experience; and the job market. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed by two independent reviewers until saturation was reached, with differences resolved through discussion with a third researcher. Seventeen students participated in the study. Five themes were identified: perceived economic outcomes for patients, perceived clinical outcomes for patients, perceived humanistic outcomes for patients, perceived impact of the pharmacy experience for patients, and perceived influence of Amazon Pharmacy on the pharmacy market. The majority suggested Amazon Pharmacy would offer lower costs for patients (71%), improved medication adherence (76%), and improved quality of life (65%). There was a consensus that the Amazon Pharmacy experience would be different, with various opinions highlighting potential positive or negative aspects of the service. There were mixed opinions about job opportunities and impact on existing pharmacies. Future studies should evaluate economic, clinical, and humanistic outcomes for patients utilizing Amazon Pharmacy.
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Do D, Geldsetzer P. Trends in Mail-Order Pharmacy Use in the U.S. From 1996 to 2018: An Analysis of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Am J Prev Med 2021; 61:e63-e72. [PMID: 33958237 PMCID: PMC8319048 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of mail-order pharmacies is generally associated with lower healthcare costs and improved medication adherence. To promote the use of mail-order pharmacies, it is important to understand the time trends in their use and whether these trends vary by population subgroups. METHODS This study used the 1996-2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to determine the annual prevalence of mail-order pharmacy use (defined as purchasing ≥1 prescription from a mail-order or online pharmacy) among U.S. adult prescription users and its variation by population characteristics. Logistic regression was used to determine the correlates of mail-order pharmacy use. Results were presented for medications and therapeutic classes most commonly purchased by mail-order pharmacy exclusive users. Analyses were conducted in December 2020. RESULTS The annual prevalence of mail-order pharmacy use among U.S. adult prescription users increased from 10.2% (95% CI=9.3, 11.1) in 1996 to 17.0% (95% CI=15.9, 18.1) in 2005 and then declined to 15.7% (95% CI=14.9, 16.6) by 2018. Absolute differences in the prevalence of use by race/ethnicity, education, and health insurance coverage widened over time, whereas they remained stable when stratifying by sex, age, marital status, region, limitations in daily activities, pain interference, health status, number of chronic conditions, and access to medical care. Among mail-order pharmacy exclusive users, the 3 most commonly purchased medications were atorvastatin (16.7%), levothyroxine (13.6%), and lisinopril (13.1%); the 3 most commonly purchased therapeutic classes were cardiovascular agents (57.9%), metabolic agents (52.1%), and central nervous system agents (29.6%). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of mail-order pharmacy use has declined in recent years and has shown significant variation across population subgroups. Future research should examine whether the declining trends and variation in use may influence the management of chronic conditions and the disparities in health and healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy Do
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Patient characteristics associated with the use of pharmacist-administered vaccination services and predictors of service utilization. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 61:729-735. [PMID: 34127395 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on the impact of pharmacists as vaccinators are available; however, research on understanding the characteristics of users of pharmacist-administered vaccinations is scarce. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify the characteristics of the users of pharmacist-administered vaccinations and recognize predictors of utilizing these services. METHODS Data were obtained from a cross-sectional online survey, and the sample size was 26,173 respondents from all over the United States. The outcome measure was the previous use of pharmacist-administered vaccination. Independent variables were demographic factors, health-related factors, and previous utilization of pharmacy products and services. Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the factors associated with the use of this service. P values, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% CIs were computed and reported. RESULTS About 31% of respondents reported previous use of pharmacist-administered vaccination. The gender of respondents was mainly female (71.2%), and the race was mainly white (80.7%). Chi-square analysis showed a statistically significant association of service use with age, education, geographic region, use of other pharmacy services and products, type of pharmacy, and the number of chronic diseases (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant association with the number of chronic diseases (OR 1.085 [95% CI 1.049-1.122]), level of education (1.352 [1.35-1.28]), race (0.901 [0.840-0.969]), and proximity to pharmacy (0.995 [0.992-0.997]). Age, type of pharmacy, and previous use of other pharmacist-provided services and products also showed statistically significant associations (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The use of pharmacist-administered vaccination has been increasing over the past years. The service has many advantages compared with other vaccination service providers and associated with higher vaccination rates among people with older age, higher education, and a higher number of chronic diseases. With proper training and education, pharmacists are unique in improving vaccination services and public health in general.
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Rashrash M, Sawesi S, Schommer JC, Brown LM. Predisposing, Enabling, and Need Factors Associated with the Choice of Pharmacy Type in the US: Findings from the 2015/2016 National Consumer Survey on the Medication Experience and Pharmacists' Roles. PHARMACY 2021; 9:pharmacy9020072. [PMID: 33800609 PMCID: PMC8103259 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy9020072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Knowing the type of pharmacy used by the patient is meaningful to the pharmacist. Previous studies have assessed different factors predicting the kind of pharmacy selection and reached inconsistent findings. Objectives: To identify patient and health-related factors associated with pharmacy type selection. Methods: The Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Service Use was used to organize the selection of patient characteristics and categorize them as predisposing, enabling, and need factors. The dependent variable was the type of pharmacy used. Logistic regression was used to predict the association between patient-related characteristics and the type of pharmacy used. Results: Older age respondents were less likely to use independent pharmacies (OR = 0.992) and more likely to use mail pharmacy services (OR = 1.026). Highly educated people showed higher use of chain and mail pharmacies (OR = 1.272, 1.185, respectively) and less tendency to use the independent, supermarket, and prescription-only pharmacy types. Men were less likely to use chain pharmacies (OR = 0.932) and more likely to use supermarket pharmacies than women. Patients who use Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services had higher odds of using independent and supermarket pharmacies (OR = 2.808, 1.689, respectively). Patients with a higher number of chronic diseases and experienced side effects of medications were more likely to use independent pharmacies (OR for number of disease = 1.097 and for side effects = 1.095). Conclusions: This study’s findings identify characteristics associated with selecting certain pharmacy settings and direct future research to include other predictors encompassing beliefs, attitudes, and other social factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Rashrash
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, University of Charleston School of Pharmacy, Charleston, WV 25304, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+1-317-491-8745
| | - Suhila Sawesi
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02155, USA;
| | - Jon C. Schommer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, University of Minnesota Twin Cities College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Lawrence M. Brown
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Irvine, CA 92866, USA;
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Do D, Geldsetzer P. Trends in Mail-Order Prescription Use among U.S. Adults from 1996 to 2018: A Nationally Representative Repeated Cross-Sectional Study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020. [PMID: 32995817 PMCID: PMC7523158 DOI: 10.1101/2020.09.22.20199505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mail-order prescriptions are popular in the U.S., but the recent mail delays due to operational changes at the United States Postal Services (USPS) may postpone the delivery of vital medications. Despite growing recognition of the health and economic effects of a postal crisis on mail-order pharmacy consumers, little is known about the extent of mail-order prescription use, and most importantly, the population groups and types of medications that will likely be most affected by these postal delays. METHODS The prevalence of mail-order prescription use was assessed using a nationally representative repeated cross-sectional survey (the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey) carried out among adults aged 18 and older in each year from 1996 to 2018. We stratified use of mail-order prescription by socio-demographic and health characteristics. Additionally, we calculated which prescription medications were most prevalent among all mailed medications, and for which medications users were most likely to opt for mail-order prescription. FINDINGS 500,217 adults participated in the survey. Between 1996 and 2018, the prevalence of using at least one mail-order prescription in a year among U.S. adults was 9.8% (95% CI, 9.5%-10.0%). Each user purchased a mean of 19.4 (95% CI, 19.0-19.8) mail-order prescriptions annually. The prevalence of use increased from 6.9% (95% CI, 6.4%-7.5%) in 1996 to 10.3% (95% CI, 9.7%-10.9%) in 2018, and the mean annual number of mail-order prescriptions per user increased from 10.7 (95% CI, 9.8-11.7) to 20.5 (95% CI, 19.3-21.7) over the same period. Use of mail-order prescription in 2018 was common among adults aged 65 and older (23.9% [95% CI, 22.3%-25.4%]), non-Hispanic whites (13.6% [95% CI, 12.8%-14.5%]), married adults (12.7% [95% CI, 11.8%-13.6%]), college graduates (12.2% [95% CI, 11.3%-13.1%]), high-income adults (12.6%, [95% CI, 11.6%-13.6%]), disabled adults (19.3% [95% CI, 17.9%-20.7%]), adults with poor health status (15.6% [95% CI, 11.6%-19.6%]), adults with three or more chronic conditions (24.2% [95% CI, 22.2%-26.2%]), Medicare beneficiaries (22.8% [95% CI, 21.4%-24.3%]), and military-insured adults (13.9% [95% CI, 10.8%-17.1%]). Mail-order prescriptions were commonly filled for analgesics, levothyroxine, cardiovascular agents, antibiotics, and diabetes medications. INTERPRETATION The use of mail-order prescription, including for critical medications such as insulin, is increasingly common among U.S. adults and displays substantial variation between population groups. A national slowdown of mail delivery could have important health consequences for a considerable proportion of the U.S. population, particularly during the current Coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy Do
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Germany, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, 1701 Page Mill Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Germany, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
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Abstract
Objective: To review specific literature that aimed to predict the future of US pharmacy, beginning in the late 1980s. Data Sources: Articles were identified from searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and references of relevant articles. The following combinations of search terms were used: future, pharmacy, prediction, and forecast. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) full-text commentary, review, or original research and (2) focused predominantly on the pharmacy in the United States. Data on predictions for the future of pharmacy were extracted. Data Synthesis: We selected 3 articles published between 1988 and 2006, with each aiming to project the future for the following decade. We examined each prediction in light of the current knowledge. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Educators, practitioners, and other stakeholders should consider reflecting on the changes in pharmacy for the past 3 decades and applying both historical and emerging trends to improve patient care and sustain practice in the third decade of the 21st century and beyond. Conclusion: Most of the predictions for the future of pharmacy from the past 3 decades materialized, with some still in progress (reimbursement for pharmacy services), whereas others manifested in unexpected ways (transition from shortage to excess of pharmacists). Current forces shaping pharmacy include, but are not limited to, growing spending and use of specialty drugs, automation of pharmacy operations, growth of pharmacy in the digital health enterprise, and growing consumer interest in the use of analytical pharmacy that tests drugs before dispensing.
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Exploring the relationship of digital information sources and medication adherence. Comput Biol Med 2019; 109:303-310. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2019.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Ma J, Wang L. Characteristics of Mail-Order Pharmacy Users: Results From the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey. J Pharm Pract 2018; 33:293-298. [PMID: 30278817 DOI: 10.1177/0897190018800188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of research on the population characteristics of mail-order pharmacy users. OBJECTIVE This study utilized a nationally representative sample to examine the characteristics of mail-order pharmacy users. METHODS This study used data from the 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). The outcome variable was defined as whether the participant had used a mail-order pharmacy during the study year. Logistic regression was conducted to determine the factors which influence mail-order pharmacy use. All analyses incorporated MEPS sampling weights to adjust for the complex survey design. RESULTS Among the 14,106 adults included, approximately 18% of them had used a mail-order pharmacy at least once to fill their prescription in 2012. Compared to community pharmacy users, mail-order pharmacy users were more likely to be white, older, married, have a higher family income, a higher educational level, have health insurance, and have a prescription with at least a 30-day supply. There is no difference in gender or urban/rural disparity. In addition, mail-order pharmacy users had a lower percentage of out-of-pocket costs. CONCLUSION Mail-order pharmacy use was significantly associated with certain patient characteristics. Policymakers should consider these characteristics when promoting mail-order pharmacy use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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