Healthcare Inaccessibility Among Aging Americans: Are They Aware, Are They Ready? Assessing patient’s awareness and readiness to utilize community pharmacist provided care through technology-based solutions

Tu Doan, PharmD Candidate¹; Sarah Cho, PharmD Candidate¹; Kathy Nguyen, PharmD Candidate¹, Mariah Sigala, PharmD Candidate¹;

Maeleigh Tidd PhD. Candidate²; K. Ashley Garling, PharmD¹

¹The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy

²School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Abstract

Background: As advancements in medicine extends the longevity of life, the number of Americans > 65 years old is expected to rise from 14.5% (46.3 million) in 2014 to 23.5% (98 million) by 2060. The growth of aging population, and the anticipated shortage of primary care physicians in the US., has left a significant number of seniors vulnerable to the inaccessibility of healthcare. Fortunately, with the popularization of health technology, patients can have expanded access to their healthcare team, including pharmacists. Surveys have shown that among patients > 50 years of age, 76% own a computing device (desktop, laptop, or tablet), and 73% own a smartphone. As the most accessible member of the healthcare team, Pharmacists emerge as a significant resource to alleviate the healthcare gaps for older patients. These combined factors represent an opportunity for technology to connect patients to valuable clinical healthcare services that pharmacists can readily provide.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the awareness and readiness of patients to use technology to access advanced patient care services from pharmacists. Additionally, a subgroup analysis will be completed in participants greater than 65 years of age to assess their awareness and readiness to utilize innovative healthcare solutions provided by pharmacists.

Methods: This cross-sectional convergent mixed methods study involves collecting quantitative data via standardized Qualtrics surveys in a variety of community pharmacy settings in six cities spread across the nation. Additionally, semi-structured interviews are used in focus groups to further explore qualitative perspectives of patients on technology-based patient care services. Descriptive and Chi-squared Goodness of Fit tests were used to evaluate Qualtrics survey results and thematic analysis were used to assess qualitative data received from focus group interviews.

Discussion: Although our results have not yet matured, health technologies implemented has shown significant improvements in healthcare access for the public. Assessments of patient engagement in health technology revealed 78% favoring the usage of digital patient portals, and 54% of seniors reported health technology has improved the quality of their care. Overall, patient awareness and readiness to adopt health technology as a tool is expected to play a huge role in enhancing access to clinical health information and services provided by pharmacists. The implications of this investigation will establish the foundation to explore other avenues where pharmacists can serve and expand patient access and encourage investments in developing innovative healthcare solutions.