Residents and Fellows Research in Progress
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
08:30 AM–10:00 AM
Abstract
Introduction: Equitable access to healthcare is a significant problem in the US, and experts predict workforce shortages will increase through 2030. Lack of access, particularly in rural areas is associated with worse health outcomes. Board-certified pharmacists (BCPs) are uniquely qualified to help meet these needs. However, preliminary data suggest that BCPs are largely absent outside of metropolitan areas.
Research Question or Hypothesis: Are BCPs accessible in rural and medically underserved areas?
Study Design: Descriptive, quantitative analysis
Methods: BCPs residing in the United States were identified from Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) public data. Extracted data included reported zip code and certifications held. BCPs were characterized by population and county based on 2020 US census records. Distribution of BCPs was evaluated in relation to designated Rural-Urban Commuting Areas and Low-Income Health Professions Shortage Areas. Chloropleth maps were created to depict national and regional geographic distributions.
Results: 40,577 BCPs were included in the analysis. BCPs were primarily located in metropolitan areas (94%) with few in rural areas (0.6%). Approximately half (54%) of US counties have BCPs. Nationally, the ratio of patients to BCP is 8,279:1 However, this varies widely from county to county (Median [range] 13,537:1 [823:1 to 794,740:1]). One third of BCPs are distributed across the 27,210 ZIP code areas designated as low-income/health professions shortage areas. However, only 10% of these geographic areas include a BCP.
Conclusion: BCP are broadly distributed across US states, but representation in rural and designated shortage areas is limited. Additional data are needed to characterize practice patterns in these areas and to evaluate the impact of contextual factors such as state-level provider legislation, reimbursement, and funding policies.
Presenting Author
Amanda N. Charlton Pharm.D.Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy
Authors
Eric MacLaughlin Pharm.D.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy
Krystal K. Haase Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS, BCCCP
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy
Jeremy H. Johnson Pharm.D.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy