Original Research
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
08:30 AM–10:00 AM
Abstract
Introduction: The federal 340B Drug Pricing Program requires manufacturers to provide outpatient drugs to healthcare organizations serving vulnerable communities at reduced prices. Despite the important role of 340B program revenue to these organizations, it is unknown if healthcare providers understand the 340B program and how it supports enhanced patient services.
Research Question or Hypothesis: What is the knowledge of and attitudes toward the 340B program amongst healthcare providers in a large, multi-site Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)?
Study Design: Cross-sectional survey
Methods: We developed a 27-item survey to assess prescriber knowledge and attitudes toward the 340B program, as well as respond to a patient case involving add-on therapy for a patient with uncontrolled diabetes. The survey was administered electronically to prescribers in early 2023. Closed-ended items were summarized using descriptive statistics, and open-ended items analyzed with qualitative methods.
Results: A total of 198 prescribers received the survey; of those, 65 (32.8%) participated. The majority were female (66.2%) and were most often age 35 or less (41.5%) and physicians (49.2%). The majority of respondents agreed that patients benefited from access to the organization’s 340B pharmacies (95.0%). Respondents also found value in using onsite pharmacies (86.7%) and agreed that 340B pricing is important to consider when prescribing medications (78.3%). However, knowledge of the 340B program was limited, with only half (54.0%) able to correctly answer at least 4 of 7 questions. Patient case responses also indicated that some prescribers opted to begin a sulfonylurea over a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor due to a lack of knowledge of 340B pricing.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that prescribers believe the 340B program benefits patients and the organization, but prescribers often lacked a complete understanding of the program. These knowledge gaps may impact prescribing decisions. Future research should focus on prescriber education as a strategy to help organizations optimize their 340B programs and facilitate patient access to medications.
Presenting Author
Adriane Irwin MS, PharmDOregon State University/Oregon Health Science University
Authors
Emily Gray PharmD
Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic
Lorraine De La Riva PharmD
Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic
Natalea Suchy PharmD
Oregon State University College of Pharmacy