Title: VOICES OF WOMEN’S HEALTH: A SURVEY TO SHAPE ACCESSIBLE, PHARMACIST-LED CARE
Authors: MK Schwaemmle, Fallon Hartsell, Courtney E. Gamston, Kimberly B. Lloyd Background/Purpose: Women’s health has been a topic that has been historically neglected by the medical community at large, and limited research regarding specific conditions that primarily affect women, make it difficult for practitioners and patients to navigate and manage disease states such as endometriosis, menopause, migraines, pelvic floor disorders, and others. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2023, 15.6% of women 18 years old and older in the United States reported to be in fair or poor health. In addition, 3 out of 4 people diagnosed with an autoimmune disease are women. Many women lack consistent support for their health needs, providing pharmacists an opportunity for addressing health care needs in this underserved patient population. This survey seeks to identify which women's health services are needed and desired within a self-insured adult female population and the acceptability of having pharmacists provide these services.
Methodology: An incentivized, anonymous online survey was distributed via email, social media, and flyers. Eligible participants were females covered by the employee insurance plan at a large, self-insured employer and were 18 years old and older. Survey domains included demographics, assessment of general health, gynecologic history, sexual health, current health concerns, facilitators and barriers to care, brief health history, and desire for pharmacist-led services. The survey took participants between 20 and 30 minutes to complete. Data was reported as descriptive statistics. The results of this study will identify the status of women’s health needs in the community, characterize this patient population, and inform the development of pharmacy-provided services.
