Community Pharmacy Enhanced Dispensing Model to Improve Medication Access for Rural Patients Living with HIV

Abstract

To demonstrate the utility of a community pharmacy-centric workflow for improving access to medications for high-risk, rural persons living with HIV (PLWH) in partnership with a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). University-sponsored independent community pharmacy and rural FQHC providing care to PLWH. Patient-centered Pharmacy Program is a service designed to improve access to HIV medications for PLWH in rural Idaho. The service is delivered in partnership with a 340B-covered entity (FQHC). The workflow for the service in the community pharmacy is described in detail, including time assessments and descriptions of tools and forms developed for rollout. Quality improvement initiatives over three years are described. This service ensures medication access for rural PLWH and is sustainable for the community pharmacy. Expansion of services is feasible for the future. This partnership may be one that could be implemented at other rural, independent community pharmacies seeking to have outreach to rural patients with chronic medication needs.