Assessment of Pharmacy Manpower and Services in New England

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed longitudinal trends in pharmacy staffing and services in the 6 New England states by comparing survey results from 2008 and 2013. Methods: A validated 32-item survey was mailed in 2008 and 2013 to a random sample of 2000 pharmacists. Each sample represented approximately 15% (2008) and 13% (2013) of the active rosters. Results: Response rates were 24% in 2008 and 23% in 2013. In all, 45% of 2013 respondents reported a pharmacist position vacancy in the past 12 months versus 62% in 2008. In all, 12% of 2013 respondents agreed or strongly agreed with a statement regarding pharmacists’ shortage versus 77% in 2008. Disease management services were reported to be offered by 23% of 2013 respondents versus 28% in 2008. Reasons for not offering the services in 2013 included the lack of staffing (61%), expertise (28%), and reimbursement (29%). In 2008, these results were 74%, 33%, and 31%, respectively. Conclusions: The pharmacist shortage within New England was alleviated during 2008 to 2013. Participation of pharmacists in disease management services did not follow staffing trends as fewer pharmacists reported providing services. Key barriers to services provision persist and consideration of how to resolve them (medication therapy management reimbursement and additional education) should be explored.