Journal of the American Pharmacists Association最新文献

{"title":"Response to “GLP-1 receptor agonists and diabetic retinopathy: Comment on a case report”","authors":"Jennifer Ko PharmD, MPH, BCACP, APh, Yaseman Jahromi","doi":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.103000","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.103000","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50015,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Pharmacists Association","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 103000"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145644506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Addressing pharmacy access in a landscape of pharmacy closures","authors":"Christine Gong, Bella Blankenship, Lucas A. Berenbrok, Jennifer L. Rodis, E. Michael Murphy","doi":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102934","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102934","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50015,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Pharmacists Association","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 102934"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145575190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety and efficacy of budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate compared with glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate for the treatment of COPD: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Piyush Thathera,&nbsp;Aakriti Garg,&nbsp;Shaista Ahmed,&nbsp;Mohd Ashif Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102906","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102906","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive illness characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow, often owing to smoking and prolonged exposure to environmental irritants. COPD affects the pulmonary vasculature, lung parenchyma, and airways, leading to structural abnormalities such as emphysema. This study compares the safety and effectiveness of budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (BGF) metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (GFF) MDI in patients with moderate to severe COPD, focusing on adverse events and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature search was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search encompassed databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, <span><span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to April 2024. Search terms included “COPD,” “dual therapies,” “triple therapies,” “LABA,” “LAMA,” “BGF MDI,” “FEV₁,” and “COPD exacerbation.” Only English-language randomized controlled trials involving patients aged 40-80 years who were current or former smokers with confirmed COPD were included. In addition, reference lists of included studies were screened. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Through an initial literature review, we obtained 4022 articles, 4 of which were included in the current study. Results showed a statistically significant rise in FEV1 with BGF MDI compared with GFF MDI at 4, 24, and 52 weeks. At 52 weeks, the pooled mean difference in FEV1 was 46.48 mL (95% CI 25.26–67.71). Safety profiles were similar, with adverse events such as nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections observed in both treatments.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>BGF MDI significantly improves lung function compared with GFF MDI in moderate to severe COPD and has a comparable safety profile. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm long-term safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50015,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Pharmacists Association","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 102906"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144986486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Creation of the CAP center: Advancing pharmacy practice through implementation science integration","authors":"Elizabeth Skoy,&nbsp;Heidi Eukel,&nbsp;Brody Maack,&nbsp;Lisa Nagel,&nbsp;Mark Strand,&nbsp;Amy Werremeyer","doi":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102961","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102961","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Community pharmacies are increasingly recognized for their potential to deliver innovative patient care services. However, implementation of these services is often hindered by barriers. Implementation science (IS) offers a framework to address these challenges, yet its application in pharmacy practice remains limited. North Dakota is a rural state with one school of pharmacy and a unique pharmacy landscape.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To describe the creation and impact of the Center for Collaboration and Advancement in Pharmacy (CAP Center), designed to support pharmacies in implementing and sustaining innovative patient care services using IS frameworks such as Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model and the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance Model.</div></div><div><h3>Practice description</h3><div>Launched in 2021, the CAP Center was created by faculty and is focused on the principles of IS to increase uptake and sustainability of pharmacy services to meet patient demand and improve population health.</div></div><div><h3>Practice innovation</h3><div>The CAP Center operates on 4 core principles: Program and Implementation, Education and Training, Coaching and Support, and Data and Outcomes. It uses the principles of IS to provide guidance, resources, and evaluation strategies to pharmacy teams, by supporting projects from conception through sustainability. The Center's application of IS and the core principles allow for successful implementation of pharmacy services.</div></div><div><h3>Evaluation methods</h3><div>CAP Center engagement is assessed through metrics such as continuing education credits offered, pharmacy participation, symposium attendance, and project volume. Individual projects are evaluated on adherence to IS principles and implementation outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Since inception, 93% of North Dakota's community pharmacies have engaged with the CAP Center. Notable projects have demonstrated successful application of IS frameworks, leading to sustainable service delivery and improved patient care.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The CAP Center exemplifies how IS can be operationalized in pharmacy practice to aid in pharmacy program implementation and improve health outcomes. Its model may serve as a blueprint for similar efforts to expand pharmacy services nationwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50015,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Pharmacists Association","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 102961"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145423854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pharmacy HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis/post-exposure prophylaxis furnishing: The benefits of collaborating with peer navigators","authors":"Alicia Morehead-Gee,&nbsp;Dino Selders,&nbsp;Kalaya Hill,&nbsp;Alejandro Chavez,&nbsp;Johanna Gonzalez,&nbsp;Lindsey Takata,&nbsp;Jacqueline Nazarian,&nbsp;David Mosqueda","doi":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102978","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102978","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>California Senate Bill 159 (2019) enables pharmacists to furnish oral human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) without a clinician's prescription; however, its implementation has been limited by barriers including time and space constraints. Noting these barriers, a peer navigator-led pharmacy PrEP/PEP program was created within a Southern California Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The program aimed to enable pharmacist PrEP/PEP furnishing through collaboration with navigators and increase the FQHC's number of PrEP patients by 25% in 2 years.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In 2021, a multidisciplinary team developed a program that involved navigators meeting with patients, conducting eligibility assessments, and providing human immunodeficiency virus testing to facilitate pharmacists' PrEP/PEP furnishing. From 2021 to 2023, the team implemented the program at 11 FQHC pharmacies by providing SB-159-required online trainings followed by in-person simulation trainings, allowing pharmacists to practice the workflow with navigators. This study evaluates the program using components of the RE-AIM framework, assessing the program's reach (number/type of encounters and demographics of program users) and efficacy (percentage of encounters that led to follow-up PrEP/PEP clinic visits) in its first 2 years.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The pharmacy program had 238 total encounters within its first 2 years; 161 (67.6%) were for PrEP and 77 (32.4%) were for PEP. Of the 216 unique program users, 166 (76.9%) were documented as having Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity, and 145 (67.1%) were documented as LGBTQ+. Encounters led to 195 (81.9%) follow-up appointments scheduled, of which 156 (80.0%) were attended. The FQHC's number of enrolled PrEP patients increased from 239 in January 2022 to 339 in December 2023 (41.8%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This pharmacy program successfully increased PrEP/PEP access by creating a collaborative workflow led by peer navigators. Navigators are key to facilitating PrEP/PEP furnishing by aiding pharmacists in completing requirements and offering individuals a nonjudgmental peer encounter to obtain PrEP/PEP.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50015,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Pharmacists Association","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 102978"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145461142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bridging the gap between expanded pharmacy services and payment models: A jurisdictional scan","authors":"Amarildo Ceka,&nbsp;Bhuvi Juneja,&nbsp;Olivia Tseng,&nbsp;Wei Zhang,&nbsp;I Fan Kuo,&nbsp;Nick Bansback,&nbsp;Michael R. Law,&nbsp;Larry D. Lynd,&nbsp;Peter J. Zed,&nbsp;Craig Mitton","doi":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102989","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102989","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Over the past few decades, pharmacists' roles have expanded beyond dispensing to include medication reviews, minor ailment prescribing, and vaccinations. In British Columbia, Canada, the fee-for-service model has been recognized as a barrier to service uptake. To design future payment models that support uptake, it is important to examine the impacts of models used in other jurisdictions.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To examine pharmacy remuneration models minor ailments provided by pharmacists across Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify the structure, funding mechanisms, and provider-level incentives for these models and (2) to assess the reported impacts of these models on service uptake, cost-effectiveness, health care access, and associated barriers and facilitators within community pharmacy settings.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a literature review to investigate the payment structures for pharmacists providing expanded services for minor ailments. Guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, we searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from January 1, 2003, to September 20, 2023, focusing on pharmacy services, remuneration, and minor ailments in OECD countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, etc.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The search yielded 1662 records, of which 11 primary studies and 5 systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria, which examined 3 payment models for pharmacies providing minor ailment services: fee-for-service, performance-based payment models (PBPM) and capitation models. Fee-for-service models were found to encourage dispensing based on volume but provided little incentive for quality care. PBPM models were effective in promoting quality care but were noted to lack flexibility. Evidence on capitation models was minimal.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This overview of remuneration models explored alternative payment models to encourage expanded pharmacist services. The review highlights that various payment models come with their own unique benefits, such as cost savings and improved patient care. When designing a payment model, it is essential to prioritize stakeholder engagement and address equity concerns.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50015,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Pharmacists Association","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 102989"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145472631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Practices and implementation factors of point-of-care testing for acute upper respiratory tract infections by community pharmacists in Alberta: A cross-sectional survey","authors":"Omar E. Abdellatife,&nbsp;Scot H. Simpson,&nbsp;Theresa J. Schindel,&nbsp;Jody Shkrobot,&nbsp;Mark J. Makowsky","doi":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102927","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102927","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Community pharmacists in Alberta have a broad scope of practice and may conduct point-of-care (POC) tests for acute and chronic medical conditions. However, little is known about the provision and pharmacists' experiences in POC testing for respiratory infections.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To explore the clinical services offered by community pharmacist to patients with acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) by describing the types of POC tests performed and differences in implementation factors and confidence between active and inactive URTI POC testing providers.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey with email invitations sent to 4035 community pharmacists registered with the Alberta College of Pharmacy in February 2024. The survey collected information on demographics and provision of POC testing services. An adapted version of the Determinants of Implementation Behavior Questionnaire (DIBQ) was used to determine barriers and facilitators. The data were summarized descriptively and compared between groups using univariate statistical tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 370 responses were included in the final analysis (response rate: 9.2%, 45% &lt; 40 years old, 65% female, 28% rural, 73% have additional prescribing authorization). Most respondents (87%) provide assessments to patients presenting with URTI symptoms. Three quarters (72.7%) provide POC testing, 65% currently provide URTI POC tests, with 59.79% offering strep throat, 26.5% COVID-19 and 5.9% influenza POC tests. Active providers were more likely to agree or strongly agree to 26 out of 30 of the adapted DIBQ items, indicating that these were facilitators of implementation. The largest differences were in having the necessary resources (relative risk: 5.23; 95%CI: 3.34, 8.18), training (RR: 3.89; 95%CI: 2.57, 5.88) and knowing how (RR: 3.16; 95%CI: 2.33, 4.28) to deliver the service. In both groups, areas with low confidence were performing a focused physical assessment, analyzing rapid molecular tests and performing a nasal swab.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Community pharmacists in our sample commonly provide POC testing for Strep pharyngitis. Our results suggest organizational factors, skills, and knowledge were facilitators of service provision.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50015,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Pharmacists Association","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 102927"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145116041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lessons learned in optimizing recruitment and data collection for a pharmacy-based implementation trial","authors":"Abigail G. Shackley,&nbsp;Delesha M. Carpenter,&nbsp;Heidi Charton,&nbsp;Benjamin S. Teeter,&nbsp;Megan Smith,&nbsp;Tessa J. Hastings,&nbsp;Tamera Hughes,&nbsp;Geoffrey Curran","doi":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102972","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102972","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In Fall 2023, we initiated a National Institutes of Health-funded study to test the effectiveness of implementation strategies to support pharmacy implementation of a COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy counseling intervention. Our stepped-wedge trial compared a standard implementation condition (training and technical assistance) to a virtual facilitation (or one-on-one coaching) intervention. Within 6-8 weeks, problems emerged related to pharmacist engagement and data collection that threatened the study's success.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To describe formative evaluation results for the initial trial year and the strategies we developed and deployed in Fall 2024 to address identified engagement and data collection problems.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The formative evaluation consisted of 5 semistructured key informant interviews with highly-engaged and unengaged pharmacists and a review of coaches' notes. All qualitative data were coded using a rapid template analysis method. To interpret the results and identify solutions, we consulted rural patient and implementation science expert advisory panels. Consensus was reached on study modification recommendations, which received funder approval.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Numerous barriers impacted pharmacist engagement and data collection, such as poor demand for the COVID-19 vaccine, most patients declining to be audio-recorded to assess our primary outcome of pharmacist counseling fidelity, difficulties submitting encounter forms (our secondary outcome), staffing shortfalls, and pharmacist reluctance to approach “very hesitant” patients.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Study modifications included changes to data collection (e.g., shift to using standardized patients for fidelity assessments), pharmacy recruitment, and the standard implementation approach (e.g., more training and tools). These modifications were deployed in the new first year of our implementation trial (August 2024 – April 2025) and we saw major improvements in study engagement and data collection.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Implementation trials often encounter potentially fatal problems due to shifting contexts. Studies can be salvaged if the team takes quick action, in partnership with funders and other constituents, to systematically understand the problems and develop solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50015,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Pharmacists Association","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 102972"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145454520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation of community pharmacy-based testing and treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Nova Scotia (Swab-Rx study)","authors":"Mackenzie d’Entremont-Harris,&nbsp;Tasha D. Ramsey,&nbsp;Shea J.L. McInnis,&nbsp;Connor Booker,&nbsp;Dylan DeYoung,&nbsp;Andrea Bishop,&nbsp;Kirk Furlotte,&nbsp;Todd F. Hatchette,&nbsp;Kyle John Wilby","doi":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102973","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102973","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most reported bacterial sexually transmitted infections in North America. Accessible, efficient, and convenient testing mechanisms are essential to identify infections, reduce transmission, access treatment, and prevent complications.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to implement pharmacy-based asymptomatic chlamydia and gonorrhea management in Nova Scotian community pharmacies and evaluate effectiveness and patient acceptability.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study occurred in 4 community pharmacies in Nova Scotia, Canada. Pharmacists offered chlamydia and gonorrhea testing using patient self-collected swabs and first-catch urine. Specimens were tested at the Central Zone Microbiology Laboratory and reported back to the pharmacist who then provided results to the patient and prescribed treatment for any identified infection(s). An electronic questionnaire and posttesting interview explored patient acceptability. Pharmacist workload was explored in time per encounter and tests per week. The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework and Theoretical Framework of Acceptability informed the study design.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ninety-seven discrete participants were enrolled for 99 testing encounters. Eighty percent (78/97) of participants responded to the sociodemographic questionnaire, of which 64% were between the ages of 25 and 44, 26% identified as sexually diverse, and 15% as gender diverse. Many respondents reported never having been tested for chlamydia (23%) or gonorrhea (27%). Of the participants tested, 17% had positive test results; 14% had chlamydia and 3% gonorrhea infections. All participants with positive test results were prescribed antibiotic treatment by the pharmacist. Pharmacists required an average of 21 minutes for testing and 17 minutes for treatment encounters. Participants predominantly reported the service was highly acceptable, should always be available, and they would not have been tested if it was not available. Participants raised concerns regarding privacy, increased workload on pharmacists, and cost of the service.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Community pharmacy–based testing and treatment of asymptomatic chlamydia and gonorrhea was highly acceptable to service users. The model successfully identified new cases and pharmacists efficiently prescribed treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50015,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Pharmacists Association","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 102973"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145454507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“The crux of the community”: A qualitative focus group study of the impact of community pharmacy closures in Colorado and Utah","authors":"Michael J. DiStefano,&nbsp;Nai-Chia Chen,&nbsp;Carl V. Asche,&nbsp;Kelly E. Anderson,&nbsp;T. Joseph Mattingly II","doi":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102940","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japh.2025.102940","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Community pharmacies are critical access points for health care in the United States, especially for underserved populations. However, a substantial number of recent pharmacy closures have been widely documented. Pharmacies at greater risk of closure are typically found in urban areas, are independently-owned businesses, and disproportionately serve low-income populations. While prior research has quantitatively assessed the impact of pharmacy closures on medication adherence and geographic access, less is known about the broader impacts of pharmacy closures on communities, pharmacy operations, pharmacy staff, and patients.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To qualitatively describe the impacts of community pharmacy closures in Colorado and Utah on communities, pharmacy operations, pharmacy staff, and patients from the perspective of pharmacists and technicians.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted three semistructured focus groups in September and October 2024 with 13 participants who had experienced a community pharmacy closure in Colorado or Utah within the previous 6 years. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using a mixed deductive-inductive approach to identify major themes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Closures negatively impacted communities by creating pharmacy deserts, harming local economies, and complicating workforce recruitment beyond the pharmacy industry. Increased prescription volume, staffing challenges, and operational stress at remaining pharmacies disrupted pharmacy operations. Staff described emotional and psychological tolls, including stress, burnout, and regret over career choices, as well as job loss and increased competition for available positions. Closures also impacted patients by increasing wait times, disrupting continuity of care, and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as those without transportation, older adults, and individuals requiring controlled substances.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Pharmacy closures have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond access to medications, affecting the social and economic fabric of communities and the overall well-being of both pharmacy staff and patients. These findings can inform future research and policy efforts aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of closures and promoting equitable access to pharmacy services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50015,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Pharmacists Association","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 102940"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145276929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}