Independent Pharmacy Advocacy: Why Your Voice Matters
No two days are alike for an independent pharmacist, whose roles are constantly shifting to meet the demands of the modern healthcare system. Recently, pharmacists have become much more than just an extra step patients must take to get their prescriptions. A pharmacist is an integral part of any patient’s healthcare plan, with them being in contact with multiple aspects of healthcare daily. Pharmacists connect everyday with the following people, such as;
Patients
Healthcare Providers
Physicians, PCPs, Nurses, Specialists, Surgeons
Health Insurance Representatives
Pharmaceutical Representatives
Compliance Officers
Because pharmacists sit at the center of these interactions, they have become a trusted source for a wide variety of healthcare professionals; a valuable cog in the healthcare machine that has the privilege of working closely with both sides. Their unique position is the reason why a pharmacist’s knowledge, opinions, and voice matter.
The Weight a Pharmacist Holds
What pharmacists say and do for the healthcare industry holds a significant amount of weight. Historically, pharmacists have served as a ‘bridge’ within the healthcare system, connecting various branches of industry. That has largely to do with them having a close, working relationship with physicians and patients as presented in the above paragraph.
This relationship gives pharmacists insight into the pros and cons, the struggles and successes, the open pathways and the impossible roadblocks. This understanding is what sets them apart from other positions in healthcare. This is why it is so important for pharmacists to utilize the position that they have by using their voice to speak up for change and progression in the healthcare world.
As proven by history, when there is a lack of action, nothing ever really changes. It can be easy to fall into a rhythm or to have the “this is just how things are” mentality. It’s certainly easier and may seem harmless in the moment. However, failure to speak up can also be harmful, especially in the long run.
The system we currently work with relies on those who inhabit the position of power to make change but don’t necessarily have the education, knowledge, or experience to know when it is needed or how. For this reason, it is up to those who do possess those qualities, such as pharmacists, to take the first step or be the first voice.
Collective Action
Pharmacists sit in a position where they interact with both the patient and physician sides of healthcare. One lone pharmacist is not going to have the same impact, as a group of pharmacists would.
Think about it, one person with an advocacy sign on the side of the road is not going to be noticed. However, a large group of people, with multiple signs calling for change, are seen and heard. Word travels quickly, and the right people with the right power can affect notice and change.
Collective advocacy allows groups of people to pool their resources and fast-track the progress that is wished to be seen. By working together, goals are achieved with greater speed and precision than if individuals were acting alone.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers Need to Be Addressed
Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBM’s, are a widely known issue in the pharmacy world. PBM’s negatively affect pharmacy cash flow, access to patient care, long-term business viability, and much more. Read more on PBM Transparency here.
Where to Start
Pharmacists should know who their representatives are, how to get in contact with them, and what is needed to make progress. Some things to remember when starting to advocate on certain levels are as follows.
Local Outreach
For local outreach, think about getting out into your town or community. You can do representative tours, outreach, and patient education for those in government positions. Remember that these people in power do not know a fraction of what pharmacists do when it comes to ensuring a pharmacy can run smoothly, without breaking the bank or patient’s wallets.
State Outreach
For state outreach, think about your state. You can go to town halls, listen to discussions, and get an understanding of what is currently being talked about. Then you can work on inserting yourself and your cause into the important conversations.
Federal Outreach
For federal outreach, think of the country. Do research to know the candidates, representatives, and branches of government that will be a source for enacting change. You can participate in fly-ins/lobby days, which is an organized event where people travel to Washington D.C. to speak directly with lawmakers. You can make connections across the country with people and pharmacists who share the same goal.
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