Late Breaking Original Research
Monday, October 14, 2024
01:00 PM–02:30 PM
Abstract
Introduction: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in four people live with a disability in the US, and 76.8% of adults with disabilities encounter barriers that prevent access to available healthcare and other services pertaining to wellness. To combat inequities, healthcare professionals are encouraged to provide patient-centered and culturally responsive care through culturally competent practices.
Research Question or Hypothesis: To obtain patient perception of pharmacists’ cultural competency in providing care to ethnically diverse patients with disabilities in the community pharmacy setting
Study Design: Prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study
Methods: Respondents were recruited by Qualtrics to complete an anonymous, nationwide, online survey from August 7 to August 14, 2024. The survey asked for demographic information, frequency of encounters with the pharmacy, perception of quality of care based on their identities (ethnicity, disability), barriers in obtaining medications, and suggestions to improve services. The survey responses were reported using descriptive statistics along with median and interquartile range for the Likert portion.
Results: A total of 1218 respondents accessed the survey; 200 self-identified as white, non-Hispanic which served as the control and 1018 patients were from an ethnically diverse background with a disability (n=518) or without disabilities (n=500). Overall, the median age was 40 years and 66% of respondents were female. In all of the cohorts, over 50-70% of respondents were satisfied with the quality of care provided by pharmacists and pharmacy staff. Barriers identified were communication issues (specific to hearing) and the limited physical space for patients in wheelchairs.
Conclusion: To improve health equity, patients suggested to increase diversity of staff members in the pharmacy along with training for pharmacists and staff in cultural humility and competency related to disabilities.
Presenting Author
Cambrey Nguyen PharmDUniversity of Kansas School of Pharmacy
Authors