Community Pharmacy Enhanced Dispensing Model to Improve Medication Access for Rural Patients Living with HIV

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the utility of a community pharmacy-centric workflow for improving access to medications for high-risk, rural persons living with HIV (PLWH) in partnership with a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Setting: University-sponsored independent community pharmacy and rural FQHC providing care to PLWH. Practice Description: Patient-centered Pharmacy Program is a service designed to improve access to HIV medications for PLWH in rural Idaho. The service is delivered in partnership with a 340B-covered entity (FQHC). Practice innovation: The workflow for the service in the community pharmacy is described in detail, including time assessments and descriptions of tools and forms developed for rollout. Evaluation: Quality improvement initiatives over three years are described. Results: This service ensures medication access for rural PLWH and is sustainable for the community pharmacy. Expansion of services is feasible for the future. Conclusion: This partnership may be one that could be implemented at other rural, independent community pharmacies seeking to have outreach to rural patients with chronic medication needs. Article Type: Clinical Experience

Keywords

• Medication Adherence and Persistence; Underserved Communities; HIV/AIDS; Community Pharmacy