Pharmacy and health planning: a national survey of health planners.
The extent of pharmacy involvement in area health planning, and the perception of health planners on pharmacy and drug-related issues, were assessed. Health Systems Agencies (HSAs) (135, or 66%) and State Health Planning and Development Agencies (SHPDAs) (25, or 45%) responded to a 34-item mail questionnaire on pharmacy planning issues. Pharmacists were involved in developing health plans in 39% of the HSAs and 18% of the SHPDAs. Pharmaceutical services were mentioned in 50% of the local and 58% of the state plans. Thirty-two percent of the HSAs and 42% of the SHPDAs believed there was a poor distribution of pharmacies in health service areas. The respondents also answered questions on the need for pharmaceutical services in given areas and among special populations, drug reimbursement procedures, and the kinds of data health planners need when planning pharmaceutical services. Numerous respondents noted that increased participation by pharmacy groups in health planning would be desirable and welcomed.
D006285:Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006307:Health Systems Agencies / Q000458:organization & administration; D006308:Health Systems Plans / Q000458:organization & administration; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000600:supply & distribution; D010595:Pharmacists; D010604:Pharmacy; D013220:State Health Planning and Development Agencies / Q000458:organization & administration; D013221:State Health Plans / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States