RENEWING OUR SPIRIT, OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN COMMUNITY PHARMACIES AND KEEPING IT SIMPLE

BY COURTNEY BIEHL, Pharm.D., MSCP president

As pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Michigan, you are more than just health care providers – you are integral parts of the health care system, offering personalized care, expert advice and trusted support to communities across the state. However, the road to providing the best possible care for our patients is not without challenges. Today, community pharmacies are facing a variety of obstacles, from issues like pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform and pharmacy deserts to the pressing need for improved work conditions. Time is perhaps our biggest obstacle – how to find time to care for our patients, our families and ourselves while staying true to the profession we love. While these challenges are significant, they also offer an opportunity to unite as a profession and drive positive change, all while embracing the heart of community pharmacy.

Where to Begin

With much going on in our personal and professional lives, finding where to start can be overwhelming. Asking ourselves some simple questions and building from there in small steps can be the most impactful. Does advocacy speak to me? Educating and improving the clinical knowledge of others? Mentoring new pharmacy professionals? Sharing technology and advancements?

Improving the working conditions of others? The Michigan Pharmacists Association has laid the groundwork for each of us to find our own professional path with the MPA Strategic Plan of Members First, Team Unity and Moving Forward goals.

Taking our Strategic Plan further – and for the love of another good acronym – as community pharmacists and community pharmacy technicians, I invite you to ask yourself “MPA” to help you with your next step:

• Am I Maximizing my membership and what I can do in my current role to the best of my abilities? Am I leveraging and optimizing all the community pharmacy resources made available to me to improve my team, my own wellbeing, or simply sharing my knowledge with others?

• Am I Participating in a local organization, annual convention, volunteer opportunity, MPF event or student outreach to lift up the future of our profession? Am I present at work for my patients, my team and myself? Am I collaborating and joining together with pharmacists and technicians from all disciplines to improve patient care?

• Am I an Advocate who is innovating and speaking for our profession, for our colleagues, for our patients and for ourselves?

Reflecting on what we have accomplished and where we would like to go next has helped me to re-energize as we continue to face professional obstacles head on.

Addressing Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reform

One of the most pressing issues facing Michigan’s community pharmacies is the growing influence of PBMs. PBM third-party administrators are responsible for managing prescription drug benefits for health plans, but their practices often lead to reduced reimbursements for pharmacies and an increasing financial burden on patients.

PBMs often impose restrictive practices, such as claw backs, low reimbursement rates and limited formulary access. These practices threaten the viability of many independent and community pharmacies, making it harder for them to maintain the level of care their patients expect and deserve.

As pharmacists, it is essential to advocate for meaningful reform in the PBM industry. Whether through local legislative efforts or working with state and national pharmacy organizations, your voice is critical in pushing for greater transparency, fairer reimbursement practices and policies that prioritize patient care over corporate profit. By standing together and demanding change, we can ensure that PBMs no longer dictate the terms of how we practice and how our patients receive care.

Combatting Pharmacy Deserts

Another significant challenge that Michigan’s community pharmacies face is the prevalence of pharmacy deserts – areas where access to essential health care services, including pharmacies, is limited or nonexistent. In both rural and urban areas of Michigan, there are communities that struggle to access the medications and health care resources they need due to a lack of nearby pharmacies. This is particularly troubling when you consider the rising rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, which require consistent medication management.

As a profession, we must work to address this issue. Community pharmacies are uniquely positioned to serve as health care hubs, providing much-needed access to medications, advice and preventive care. Collaboration with local governments, health care providers, and public health organizations is essential to expanding access to pharmacy services in underserved areas. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can also consider innovative ways to reach patients in these areas. Mobile pharmacy units, telehealth consultations and partnerships with health care providers can help bridge the gap for patients who might otherwise have to travel long distances for essential care. In embracing new models of service delivery, we can make sure that no one is left behind, regardless of where they live.

Improving Work Conditions for Pharmacy Professionals

The dedication of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians has never been more evident than it is today. However, the current work conditions in many community pharmacies is not sustainable. Long hours, increased pressure to meet business needs, carving out time to provide quality care for our patients and understaffing are creating burnout among pharmacy professionals, leading to a decline in morale and a potential negative impact on patient care.

As a profession, we must advocate for better work conditions that allow pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to perform at their best. This includes fair wages, manageable workloads, adequate staffing and policies that prioritize the well-being of pharmacy professionals. Supporting initiatives such as the creation of more technician roles, a balanced distribution of duties and looking for opportunities to improve margins and reimbursement may help alleviate the labor burden on pharmacists and technicians, ensuring that patient care remains the top priority.

Additionally, it is crucial for pharmacy professionals to prioritize their own mental and physical health. Participating in wellness programs, seeking peer support and taking proactive steps to manage stress can help maintain resilience in the face of an oftendemanding work environment. Collectively, we can build a profession that supports both our patients and ourselves.

Embracing Our Role in the Future of Health Care

Despite these challenges, community pharmacies in Michigan remain essential to the state’s health care system. We are trusted health care providers who offer more than just medications – we offer guidance, support and a commitment to improving the lives of our patients. However, to continue making a meaningful impact, it is essential that we embrace innovation and reform while staying grounded in the values that make community pharmacy unique.

To navigate the current landscape, community pharmacies must continue to embrace technological advancements, such as telehealth services and point-of-care testing, while advocating for necessary policy changes to create a more equitable and sustainable health care system. By embracing these changes, we can expand the services we offer, improve patient outcomes and secure the future of the pharmacy profession.

Together, we can address the challenges that stand in our way. Whether it’s advocating for PBM reform, expanding access in pharmacy deserts, or improving work conditions for pharmacy professionals, we have the opportunity to make lasting change. Embracing our profession means not only supporting patients but also supporting each other – as colleagues, as a community and as advocates for the future of pharmacy.

A Profession to Be Proud of

The pharmacy profession in Michigan is at a pivotal moment. The challenges we face are real, but they also present an opportunity to come together and advocate for change. By building upon MTM (Members First, Team Unity and Moving Forward), asking ourselves MPA (am I Maximizing my Membership, Participating, and/or Advocating?), addressing PBM reform, expanding access to underserved communities and improving our work conditions, we can continue to provide exceptional care for patients and ensure that our profession remains vibrant and sustainable for years to come.

As pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, you have always been the heart of health care, and now it is time to ensure that the system supports you as much as you support the patients who rely on you. Through collaboration, advocacy and innovation, we can embrace our profession and overcome the obstacles in our path, securing a brighter future for community pharmacy in Michigan.