Rite Aid highlights gaps in consumer awareness, utilization of pharmacist expertise

Rite Aid has released the results of a new survey to better understand the ways in which consumers engage with their pharmacists, and uncover additional ways pharmacists can support their overall health.

“As industry research shows, many consumers visit their pharmacist far more frequently than their healthcare provider as patient appointments can take weeks to secure,” said Karen Staniforth, chief pharmacy officer at Rite Aid. “Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact personalized pharmacist-consumer relationships can have on health outcomes. Pharmacists can speak to and advise on many aspects of an individual’s health, from medication management, testing for flu and strep and travel health consultations, to prescribing certain medications in select states. Despite their accessibility in the community, we’re seeing a gap in how consumers are utilizing their pharmacy or pharmacist to their full capabilities.”

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Key findings of the survey results include:

Consumers’ traditional perceptions of the role of a pharmacist:

A majority of survey respondents are familiar with more traditional pharmacy services, such as dispensing medication (72%), over-the-counter product guidance (64%), health and wellness advice (53%) and immunizations (53%). However, many are unaware of other pharmacy services, which may include:

• Prescribing certain medications in select states (30%)
• Medication therapy management (27%)
• Point-of-care testing in select states (23%)
• Smoking cessation programs (24%)

While more than half of respondents (55%) believe pharmacists can assist with minor healthcare and wellness concerns, many are less aware of the support available for other health areas, such as sexual health (29%) and women’s health (26%).

Gap in view of pharmacists and personal interactions:

Though 62% of respondents view their pharmacist as part of their health and wellness care team, three-quarters of these respondents lack a personal relationship with one.

Additionally, many aren’t connecting with their pharmacy to discuss precautions for their medication and supplement intake. Of the respondents, 68% take more than one medication and/or supplement, but only 46% reported they have discussed potential interactions or side effects with their pharmacist.

Generational divides on pharmacist functions and services:

Younger generation respondents report spending more time with pharmacists than older respondents, with 55% of Gen Z and 50% of millennial respondents engaging with them for more than five minutes, compared to 35% of Gen X and 27% of baby boomer respondents.

They also report more awareness of and have used pharmacists' clinical services more than older generations.

29% of Gen Z and 25% of millennial respondents visit their pharmacist to have select medications prescribed (where permitted), compared to 20% of Gen X and 12% of baby boomer respondents.

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Older generations view medication dispensing as the primary service for which they have used their pharmacist: 73% of baby boomers and 67% of Gen X, compared to 52% of millennials and 43% of Gen Z.

“The results show that the role of pharmacists is underutilized and also widely unknown,”  Staniforth said. “At Rite Aid, our pharmacists are dedicated to serving and supporting the community, making health care both accessible and personal. We’re committed to providing trusted, individualized clinical care to support our customers, wherever they are on their healthcare journey.”