Evaluating Pharmacy Services in Rural Towns
Author Information
Author(s): V. Bruce Sunderland, Suzanne D. Burrows, Andrew W. Joyce
Primary Institution: Curtin University of Technology
Hypothesis
Does access to pharmacy services differ between towns with pharmacies and those relying on doctors for dispensing medications?
Conclusion
Residents of pharmacy towns have better access to medications and are more satisfied with their pharmacy services compared to those in non-pharmacy towns.
Supporting Evidence
- 82.4% of pharmacy town participants accessed medications within their town compared to 51.3% from non-pharmacy towns.
- Pharmacy town residents had higher prescription rates within their town than non-pharmacy town residents.
- Participants from non-pharmacy towns were more likely to travel further for medications.
Takeaway
People in towns with pharmacies can get their medicines more easily and are happier with their health services than those in towns without pharmacies.
Methodology
Residents from 14 towns were surveyed about their access to pharmacy services, comparing those with pharmacies to those relying on doctors for dispensing.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of towns and the demographics of respondents.
Limitations
The study's response rate was low to moderate, and the majority of respondents were female, which may not accurately reflect the views of the entire population.
Participant Demographics
Average population of towns was around 1,246; 99% of participants were Caucasian, with a significant portion being female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
± 5.1%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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