CVS Health/Harris Poll survey reveals 84% of
consumers say pharmacists play a critical role in providing health
care services to patients
Many pharmacists want to do more for their
communities, but need more support to do so
Expanded omnichannel services, digital
innovations and a strong workforce pipeline are vital to the future
of pharmacy care
WOONSOCKET, R.I., Jan. 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS)
today released The Rx Report: The future of community pharmacy
opens doors to healthier communities, which outlines the
evolution of consumers' expectations of community pharmacy and how
local pharmacies continue to add value to the health care system,
especially for vulnerable populations, to help close gaps in
care.
The report also highlights the critical need for sustainable and
scalable industry-wide change, such as operational improvements and
digital innovations to better support pharmacy teams behind the
counter as well as the need to inspire more to choose a career in
community pharmacy, as pharmacy college enrollment rates steadily
decline.
"Following the COVID-19 pandemic, patients continue to turn to
local pharmacies more frequently for health care services, because
of their convenience and the growing trust they have in their
pharmacy teams," said Prem Shah, Executive Vice President,
Chief Pharmacy Officer, and President of Pharmacy and Consumer
Wellness, CVS Health. "To continue to meet growing patient needs,
we must evolve how community pharmacy works and, most importantly,
how we support our pharmacy teams to create a sustainable future
for community pharmacy."
In addition, The Rx Report explores how other key changes to the
current pharmacy model may also be needed to address growing
pressures on the industry. This includes a recently announced
pharmacy reimbursement model that will shift how CVS Pharmacy® is
compensated by aligning reimbursement to the quality services
provided and prescriptions dispensed. Together, these important
changes will help create a more durable business model.
Key findings from The Rx Report CVS Health survey*
show that:
- Nearly seven in 10 Americans prefer pharmacies for their health
care needs because of their convenient locations and evening and
weekend hours of operation.
- The overwhelming majority of Americans — up to 90% — believe
that a connected, digital pharmacy experience enhances the overall
patient experience.
- More than four in 10 People of Color visit their local
pharmacies in-person at least a few times per month to speak with a
pharmacist about their health care needs.
The future of pharmacy is both digital and
in-person
Digital tools, such as online prescription tracking,
prescription delivery, scheduling appointments or pick-up, and
paying online or via mobile app provide patients with options
that allow them to receive care at the touch of a button,
enhancing, but not replacing the important relationship between
pharmacists and their patients. Meanwhile, integrating technology
into the pharmacy experience helps to improve efficiency behind the
counter.
Community pharmacy can aid in the pursuit of health
equity
Pharmacy teams are well-positioned to provide continued access
to important services, such as vaccinations, particularly in
medically underserved areas or populations. People of color
increasingly trust their local pharmacists and seek out more
affordable and accessible services, providing community pharmacies
an opportunity to fill gaps left by more traditional health care
channels.
The next generation of pharmacy teams
Despite increasing demand for services and opportunities for
growth in community pharmacy, fewer people are drawn to the
profession. Although 15,000 PharmDs graduate from pharmacy schools
each year, enrollment has declined significantly over the years,
and the industry is grappling with high levels of burnout. The
Rx Report emphasizes the importance and urgency of making community
pharmacy a better place to work and providing the next generation
of pharmacy students with tools for success.
The Rx Report finds that community pharmacies are already an
essential part of the larger health care system, and the industry
is poised to make an even greater impact, making health care more
accessible, convenient, and comprehensive than ever before. CVS
Health is committed to optimizing its offerings to better serve
patients while creating streamlined professional capacity and
expanding opportunities for pharmacists nationwide.
Download and read the full report here.
*Harris Poll Survey
Methodology
The research was conducted online in
the United States as part of the
CVS Health Dimensions of Health Care study. The Harris Poll
surveyed 4,007 US adults aged 18+, 203 US Family/General Practice
and Internal Medicine Physicians, and 202 US retail, hospital, and
independent Pharmacists. The survey was conducted from March 9-20, 2023.
About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company,
delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and
improve the health of communities across America through our local
presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues –
including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and
nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help
them with their health – whether that's managing chronic diseases,
staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable
health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help
people navigate the health care system – and their personal health
care – by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted
partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all
with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social
media.
Media contacts
Amy Thibault
401-318-2865
Amy.Thibault@CVSHealth.com
Matthew Blanchette
401-524-6185
Matthew.Blanchette@CVSHealth.com
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SOURCE CVS Health