The Role of Pharmacists in Health Equity and Social Justice

"Everyone should have access to health services they need, when and where they need them, without suffering financial hardship. No one should get sick and die just because they are poor or because they cannot access the health services they need." - World Health Organization director-general, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus '

Introduction

Pharmacists are among the highly accessible healthcare professionals, therefore they have a vital role to play in health equity and social justice. According to a study, patients visit their community pharmacies almost twice as often as they visit their physicians or other qualified healthcare professionals. Beyond pill dispensers, they are advocates, educators, and change agents. As we explore their multifaceted role, we’ll delve into the heart of health equity and social justice.

Understanding Health Equity and Social Justice

Health equity refers to the state where everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health, free from disadvantages caused by social, economic, or environmental conditions. Social justice in healthcare involves the fair distribution of resources and opportunities, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to healthcare services.

The Pharmacist's Role in Promoting Health Equity

Access to Medications

Pharmacists ensure patients have access to essential medications, regardless of their economic status. They help patients navigate insurance issues and find affordable medication options. Community pharmacists often identify cheaper generic alternatives and work with pharmaceutical assistance programs to reduce the financial burden on patients.

Preventive Care

Pharmacists offer immunizations, health screenings, and wellness checks to detect and manage chronic conditions early, reducing disease burden. During the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacies delivered more than 300 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, with approximately 70% of vaccinating pharmacies located in areas with moderate-to-high social vulnerability.

Chronic Disease Management

Through Medication Therapy Management (MTM), pharmacists help manage chronic diseases, ensuring coordinated and comprehensive care alongside other healthcare providers. Pharmacists are polypharmacy Pioneers, juggling prescriptions, they prevent clashes, for example, ensuring that diabetes medications won’t clash with blood pressure medications.

Community Outreach

Pharmacists’ participation in health fairs and outreach programs helps raise awareness about health issues and promotes healthier lifestyles in underserved populations. These initiatives often include free health screenings, nutritional advice, and education on disease prevention. Through these programs, individuals get to learn about concepts such as nutrition and insulin timing. These workshops are more than PowerPoint slides—they’re safe spaces where questions flow freely, where neighbors can even share their secret recipes for combating ailments such as anemia.

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Screening

SDOH—these are conditions in which people are born, live, work, and age—shape health outcomes. Picture these:

●???? Food Insecurity: Empty plates echo louder than prescriptions. Lack of access to nutritious food affects well-being, perpetuating health disparities. Imagine a single parent juggling multiple jobs and struggling to reach a distant clinic for their child’s vaccinations.

●???? Access Barriers: Language, transportation woes, and financial constraints create chasms. The journey to that distant clinic is fraught with obstacles—language barriers at the reception desk, bus routes that don’t align with work schedules, and the relentless ticking of the clock. Pharmacists step in as bridge builders, ensuring that essential medications are within reach, regardless of ZIP code or native tongue.

●???? Health Literacy: Navigating the labyrinth of medical information demands literacy. Low health literacy leads to medication errors, missed appointments, and suboptimal self-care. An elderly individual with limited English proficiency squints at their prescription label. The pharmacist’s patient explanation becomes a beacon of understanding, illuminating the path to better health

Pharmacists assess these SDOHs and refer patients to appropriate social services, addressing factors that impact health outcomes. This holistic approach ensures that non-medical barriers to health are also addressed.

The Pharmacist's Role in Promoting Social Justice

In addition to health equity, pharmacists play a crucial role in promoting social justice within the healthcare system:

Addressing Systemic Racism

Pharmacists recognize racism as a root cause of social determinants of health and use their privilege to educate themselves and their colleagues about dismantling structural racism. Vibhuti Arya and colleagues emphasize that systemic racism disproportionately impacts communities of color, specifically black Americans and pharmacists have taken an oath to protect the welfare of humanity and their patients.

Cultural Competency

Pharmacists engage in continuous education and training on cultural competency to better understand and address the diverse needs of their patients. This includes learning about different cultural health practices and beliefs to provide more personalized care. They speak the patient's language, ensuring they know when to take their meds. Also, they understand but it’s not just vocabulary; it’s empathy—the ability to say, “I understand” in any dialect.

They also understand the cultural norms of the patients and provide tailored advice. Herbal teas? They explore their benefits and potential interactions. They recognize that healing transcends prescriptions—it’s about trust, respect, and shared wisdom.

Promoting Fair Treatment

Pharmacists advocate for fair treatment within the healthcare system, ensuring that all patients receive the same level of care and respect. This involves challenging discriminatory practices and policies that negatively impact patient care.

Mental Health Support

Pharmacists also play a crucial role in ensuring the mentally challenged have equal access to health. They monitor medication adherence, manage side effects, and offer support for conditions like depression and anxiety. They’re trained to recognize signs of mental health issues and provide resources or referrals. Medication side effects are managed effectively, ensuring mental well-being.

Personalized Care Plans

Pharmacists create personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. These plans consider the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. Care plans include nutritional advice, exercise recommendations, and medication schedules that fit busy lives. Plans address language barriers, ensuring understanding of every aspect of treatment.

The Human Connection: Empathy and Trust

Pharmacists build lasting relationships with their patients. They know their struggles, preferences, and the community’s needs. This trust fosters open communication, where patients feel comfortable discussing their health concerns. The pharmacist becomes a reliable advisor, a source of comfort in navigating health challenges.

Technological Integration: The Future of Pharmacy

Strategies to Promote Health Equity and Social Justice

Pharmacists can adopt several strategies to enhance their role in promoting health equity and social justice:

Tele-pharmacy

Tele-pharmacy bridges the gap between pharmacists and patients, especially in underserved areas. Virtual consultations make it easier to get questions answered without missing work. Patients benefit from medication reviews from the comfort of their homes. Tele-pharmacy ensures no patient is left behind due to geographical barriers.

Health Information Technology

Pharmacists leverage electronic health records (EHRs) to access comprehensive patient information. This ensures better coordination of care and reduces errors. EHRs help track medication history, allergies, and lab results, ensuring safe and effective care. Treatment is personalized, considering the entire medical history.

Mobile Health Apps

Pharmacists recommend and guide patients in using mobile health apps for medication reminders, health tracking, and information. These apps empower patients to take control of their health, improving adherence and outcomes. The pharmacist’s expertise ensures they choose reliable and effective tools.

Policy Involvement

Pharmacists should advocate for affordable meds and equitable access. Their pens can rewrite policies, urging legislators to see beyond profit margins—to see tired eyes and hopeful smiles.

Research and Data Collection

By conducting meaningful research, pharmacists can identify health disparities. Through gathered data, evidence-based interventions can be implemented. Therefore, they become catalysts, pushing for equity in clinical trials, representation in research, and voices amplified.

Conclusion: The Oath of Equity

Pharmacists aren’t mere gatekeepers; they’re bridge builders. Their mortar? Empathy, cultural competence, and evidence. Let’s celebrate these white-coated navigators—our compasses toward a healthier, fairer world.?

Remember, health equity isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. And pharmacists? They’re our steadfast guides, illuminating the path with compassion, knowledge, and unwavering dedication. As we continue to navigate this journey, let’s recognize and support the pivotal role pharmacists play in fostering a more equitable and just healthcare landscape. Their efforts ensure that no one, regardless of background or circumstance, is left behind.?

Article By:

Mirna Aiman – IVPN Student Public Health Committee Member

Zainab Bala Umar – IVPN Student Public Health Committee Member

?

?