State Telepharmacy Policies and Pharmacy Deserts

• DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.28810
• Publication Date: 2023-08-14T15:01:22Z
• Authors: Benjamin Y. Urick; Jessica K. Adams; Maimuna R. Bruce
• Keywords: Pharmacies; Cohort Studies; Pharmaceutical Services; Humans; Medically Underserved Area; Pharmacy; 3. Good health; Original Investigation

Importance Pharmacy deserts have increased, potentially affecting patient access and care. Historically, telepharmacies been used to reduce pharmacy restore access, but states frequently restrict their operation. Objective To analyze whether telepharmacy policy is associated with services. Design, Setting, Participants This cohort study analyzed location census data from 2016 through 2019 for US new policies. Nearby control were comparison in a pretest-posttest nonequivalent group design. Statistical analysis was performed January 2022 July 2023. Exposure Intervention selected if change adopted 2017 or 2018. Main Outcomes Measures defined as any geographic area located at least 10 miles the nearest pharmacy. Primary outcomes included number of telepharmacies, deserts, population deserts. Secondary percentage medically underserved areas populations (MUA/Ps), association between opening nearby transition desert into nonpharmacy desert. Results Twelve (8 intervention states, 4 states). experienced an increase mean 7.25 range (Arizona, Indiana) 14 (Iowa), remained 0.25 0 1 (Kansas). Compared controls, 4.5% (95% CI, 1.6% 7.4%) decrease places ( P = .001) 11.1% 2.4% 22.6%) .03). Telepharmacies more likely be MUA/P than traditional pharmacies (preperiod MUA/P: 63.2% [12 19] vs 33.9% [5984 17 511]; .01; postperiod 62.7% [37 59] 33.7% [5998 800]; < .001). When established 37.5% (30 80) no longer met study’s definition following year. In contrast, only 1.8% (68 3892) where did not open this (χ 2 =416.4; Conclusions Relevance study, reduced suggesting openings. States aiming improve might consider less restrictive policies elicit greater outcomes.