Pharmacists role in addressing health disparities—Part 1: Social determinants of health and their intersectionality with medication use, health care utilization, and health outcomes

Abstract

AbstractHealth disparities or extreme gaps of health care across different groups of people are resulting in consequences for many Americans today. Pharmacists have an opportunity to play an important role in addressing health disparities across many populations. Contextualizing root causes of gaps in health care and outcomes and identifying potential solutions to address those root causes are important initial steps pharmacists can take to combat health disparities. In part 1 of this narrative review, social determinants of health (SDOH) are discussed to provide a framework for understanding health disparities highlighting the interconnectivity between SDOH, medication use, and health care utilization and outcomes. In part 2, recommendations for actionable interventions to pursue health equity are provided. PubMed and Web of Science were searched to identify articles published from inception until May 9, 2021. Articles in English were screened by title and abstract for relevance to pharmacists' involvement in addressing health disparities. References from identified journal articles were also screened to identify further relevant articles. Identifying potential solutions to address health disparities requires an understanding of contributing factors affecting gaps in health care and outcomes. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in transforming current health systems to create a reduction of health disparities within our societies.