Journal of Applied Pharmacy
Open Access

The Economic Impact of Public Health Pharmacy Services

Betty Sharon^{* *}Correspondence: Betty Sharon, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece, Email:

Author info »

Description

Public health pharmacy services play a critical role in improving population health by offering accessible healthcare services, promoting disease prevention, and managing chronic conditions. Beyond these health benefits, public health pharmacy services also have significant economic implications. This article explores the economic impact of public health pharmacy services, highlighting their contributions to healthcare cost savings, improved productivity, and overall economic efficiency.

Cost savings in healthcare

Pharmacists' involvement in public health initiatives leads to a reduction in hospitalizations and emergency room visits, resulting in substantial cost savings:

Chronic disease management: Pharmacists manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, ensuring patients adhere to their medication regimens and make necessary lifestyle changes. Effective management of these conditions prevents complications that could lead to costly hospital admissions.

Medication Therapy Management (MTM): Through MTM services, pharmacists identify and resolve medication-related problems, such as incorrect dosages or adverse drug interactions, which can prevent hospital readmissions and emergency visits.

Preventive care: Pharmacists provide preventive services, including immunizations and health screenings, which help detect and manage conditions early, preventing the progression to more severe and costly health issues.

Pharmacist’s expertise in medication management contributes to significant reductions in prescription drug costs:

Generic substitution: Pharmacists recommend cost-effective generic alternatives to brand-name medications, which helps reduce prescription costs for patients and insurers.

Optimal drug therapy: Pharmacists ensure that patients receive the most effective medications for their conditions, avoiding unnecessary or ineffective treatments that could lead to additional costs.

Medication adherence: By promoting medication adherence, pharmacists help prevent costly complications associated with non-compliance, such as the need for additional treatments or hospitalizations.

Enhanced productivity and workforce participation

Pharmacists' role in public health initiatives leads to improved health outcomes, which translate to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism in the  workforce:

Chronic disease control: Effective management of chronic diseases by pharmacists results in better health outcomes for patients, enabling them to remain productive and reducing the number of sick days taken.

Preventive services: Pharmacists' provision of preventive services, such as vaccinations, reduces the incidence of infectious diseases, leading to fewer work absences and increased productivity.

Medication management: Pharmacists help ensure that patients are on appropriate and effective medication regimens, improving their overall health and ability to participate in the workforce.

Pharmacists provide valuable services to employers, contributing to a healthier workforce and reducing healthcare-related costs:

Workplace wellness programs: Pharmacists contribute to workplace wellness programs by offering health screenings, counseling, and immunization services, which help identify health issues early and promote overall employee well-being.

On-site health services: Some employers partner with pharmacists to provide on-site health services, such as flu shots and health education, which reduce the need for employees to take time off work for medical appointments.

Contribution to healthcare system efficiency

Pharmacists provide accessible healthcare services that reduce the burden on other healthcare providers and improve system efficiency:

Primary care support: Pharmacists support primary care providers by managing medication therapy and offering preventive services, reducing the demand for primary care visits and allowing providers to focus on more complex cases.

Healthcare navigation: Pharmacists help patients navigate the healthcare system, providing guidance on when to seek medical attention and helping them understand their treatment options. This reduces unnecessary healthcare utilization and associated costs.

Emergency room diversion: By offering accessible healthcare services, such as medication management and minor ailment treatment, pharmacists help reduce the number of non-urgent visits to emergency rooms, lowering healthcare costs and improving emergency room efficiency.

Pharmacist’s integration with healthcare teams leads to more coordinated and effective care, resulting in economic benefits:

Collaborative care models: In collaborative care models, pharmacists work with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for patients. This approach improves health outcomes and reduces healthcare costs by avoiding duplicated services and ensuring coordinated care.

Improved medication management: Pharmacists' involvement in healthcare teams enhances medication management, reducing the risk of medication errors and adverse events that can lead to costly hospitalizations and treatments.

Conclusion

Public health pharmacy services have a significant economic impact by reducing healthcare costs, enhancing workforce productivity and improving healthcare system efficiency. Pharmacists' involvement in chronic disease management, preventive services, and public health emergencies contributes to better health outcomes and substantial cost savings. As the role of pharmacists in public health continues to expand, their economic contributions will remain critical in promoting a healthier, more efficient, and more cost-effective healthcare system.