Implementation and evaluation of a lipid screening program in a large chain pharmacy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the implementation of a lipid testing service across an entire market of a large chain pharmacy.


METHODS
Observational study using a validated satisfaction scale.


METHODS
Nine Osco Drug pharmacies in Des Moines, Iowa.


METHODS
Number of patients choosing to participate in a fee-for-service lipid screening program, type of test chosen, effects of marketing on service volume, and patient satisfaction.


RESULTS
A total of 159 screenings were performed in the 9 pharmacies. The majority of patients (79.7%) chose the more expensive fasting lipid profile, and service volume seemed to correspond to the number and intensity of marketing efforts. There was a trend toward increased patient satisfaction with the services represented by the Managing Therapy and Friendly Explanation dimensions addressed in the survey.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients were willing to pay out-of-pocket for lipid screening. More efforts need to be devoted to marketing this service to create value for the customer and to establish it as a viable component of pharmacy business.
Tice
Brad
B
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa 50311-4505, USA. brad.tice@drake.edu
Phillips
Charles R
CR
D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008389:Marketing of Health Services; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction
D008055:Lipids