Factors that can impact community pharmacists' role in reducing health disparities

BACKGROUND: Social determinants of health (SDoH) significantly impact health outcomes but are often overlooked in community health care settings. Community pharmacists, as highly accessible providers, are well positioned to address these social factors and reduce health disparities. However, limited research has examined their preparedness, resource access, or current engagement in SDoH interventions. 

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed New York State community pharmacists' knowledge, access to, and use of SDoH-related resources using the theoretical framework proposed by Kiles et al., which examines pharmacist roles at the patient, practice, and community levels. 

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 37 items was distributed electronically to licensed community pharmacists across New York State. The survey captured data on demographics, SDoH knowledge and resource awareness, and practice-based engagement. Descriptive and inferential statistics identified key trends and associations. Two composite scores-SDoH resource awareness and availability-were generated to evaluate pharmacist familiarity with and access to social support services. 

RESULTS: A total of 355 pharmacists met eligibility criteria and completed the survey. Those with training in health disparities demonstrated significantly higher awareness of cultural practices, health screening availability, and mental health resources. While many reported availability of naloxone, immunizations, and smoking cessation services, fewer than a quarter offered disease state education, and just a fifth had training in depression screening. Fewer than one-third routinely recommended Medicare Part D enrollment. A moderately strong positive correlation was found between awareness and availability of SDoH resources. Pharmacists who spoke another language or had long-term tenure at their practice site reported greater familiarity with local needs and resources. 

CONCLUSION: While community pharmacists in New York are positioned to address SDoH, gaps in training, mental health screening, and community engagement persist. Structured training in health disparities and mental health, along with policies to support sustainable implementation of SDoH interventions, are needed to expand pharmacists' capacity to serve vulnerable populations and advance health equity.