Survey Report reveals that nearly one-third of respondents are missing opportunities for comprehensive health engagement
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rite Aid today released the results of a new survey* to better understand the ways in which consumers engage with their pharmacists, and uncover additional ways pharmacists can support their overall health.
"As industry research shows, many consumers visit their pharmacist far more frequently than their healthcare provider as patient appointments can take weeks to secure," said Karen Staniforth, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Rite Aid. "Over the years, I've seen firsthand the positive impact personalized pharmacist-consumer relationships can have on health outcomes. Pharmacists can speak to and advise on many aspects of an individual's health, from medication management, testing for flu and strep, and travel health consultations, to prescribing certain medications in select states. Despite their accessibility in the community, we're seeing a gap in how consumers are utilizing their pharmacy or pharmacist to their full capabilities."
Key findings of the survey results include:
Consumers' Traditional Perceptions of the Role of a Pharmacist
A majority of survey respondents are familiar with more traditional pharmacy services, such as dispensing medication (72%), over-the-counter product guidance (64%), health and wellness advice (53%) and immunizations (53%). However, many are unaware of other pharmacy services, which may include:
- Prescribing certain medications in select states (30%)
- Medication therapy management (27%)
- Point-of-care testing in select states (23%)
- Smoking cessation programs (24%)
While more than half of respondents (55%) believe pharmacists can assist with minor healthcare and wellness concerns, many are less aware of the support available for other health areas, such as sexual health (29%) and women's health (26%).
Gap in View of Pharmacists and Personal Interactions
Though 62% of respondents view their pharmacist as part of their health and wellness care team, three-quarters of these respondents lack a personal relationship with one.
Additionally, many aren't connecting with their pharmacy to discuss precautions for their medication and supplement intake. Of the respondents, 68% take more than one medication and/or supplement, but only 46% reported they have discussed potential interactions or side effects with their pharmacist.
Generational Divides on Pharmacist Functions & Services
Younger generation respondents report spending more time with pharmacists than older respondents, with 55% of Gen Z and 50% of Millennial respondents engaging with them for more than five minutes, compared to 35% of Gen X and 27% of Baby Boomer respondents.
They also report more awareness of and have used pharmacists' clinical services more than older generations.
- 29% of Gen Z and 25% of Millennial respondents visit their pharmacist to have select medications prescribed (where permitted), compared to 20% of Gen X and 12% of Baby Boomer respondents.
- Older generations view medication dispensing as the primary service for which they have used their pharmacist: 73% of Baby Boomers and 67% of Gen X, compared to 52% of Millennials and 43% of Gen Z.
"The results show that the role of pharmacists is underutilized and also widely unknown," continued Staniforth. "At Rite Aid, our pharmacists are dedicated to serving and supporting the community, making healthcare both accessible and personal. We're committed to providing trusted, individualized clinical care to support our customers, wherever they are on their healthcare journey."
Across its store footprint, Rite Aid has clinical immunization centers where a designated Rite Aid pharmacist can engage with customers for their immunization needs and health services beyond filling prescriptions. For information on all of Rite Aid's pharmacy services, visit .
To read the full report, visit this link.
*Methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American adults was commissioned by Rite Aid between December 9, 2024 and December 10, 2024. It was conducted by market research and insights agency Opinium.
About Rite Aid
Rite Aid is a full-service pharmacy committed to improving health outcomes. Rite Aid is defining the modern pharmacy by meeting customer needs with a wide range of solutions that offer convenience, including retail and delivery pharmacy, as well as services offered through the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary Bartell Drugs. For more information, please visit .
Contacts
Media Contact:
Red Thread PR
Madison Frankel
(610) 883-3968
RiteAid@redthreadpr.com
Rite Aid
Alicja Wojczyk
(717) 975-5718
press@riteaid.com
