Impact and feasibility of a community pharmacy bone mineral density screening and education program.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of a community pharmacy-based bone mineral density (BMD) screening and education program and determine the feasibility of providing such a service in community pharmacies.


METHODS
Uncontrolled study using convenience sample combined with economic feasibility analysis.


METHODS
Two independent and four chain community pharmacies.


METHODS
Women age 18 years and older.


METHODS
Pharmacy patrons were invited to a free BMD screening. Demographic information was collected, and patients were screened using an ultrasound BMD analyzer. BMD results were reviewed with the participant during an education session and forwarded to primary care providers. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and after 3 months.


METHODS
Time spent with each participant, project costs, and willingness to pay for screenings were used to estimate feasibility; questionnaire responses assessed impact of the intervention on participants' health care decisions, lifestyle modifications, and communications with their prescribers about osteoporosis.


RESULTS
Of the 140 women screened at baseline, 82% indicated the screening was "very useful" for making health care decisions, and 91% believed it encouraged them to talk with their physicians about osteoporosis. At 3 months, 11% of patients reported having improved exercise habits, and 30% had increased their calcium and vitamin D intake. A total of 41% of respondents indicated a willingness to pay dollar 20 or more for the BMD screening service. The average screening time was 23 minutes. Based on fixed costs of the screening device and materials and variable costs associated with personnel time, a community pharmacy could generate a positive net income with a BMD screening program. Cost of the BMD analyzer could be recovered through revenue generated in 24-35 screening days, depending on the fees charged.


CONCLUSIONS
A community pharmacy osteoporosis program had a positive impact on patient health care by influencing lifestyle modifications, increasing use of medications, and encouraging participants to discuss osteoporosis with their physician. Patients are willing to pay for this service; feasibility varies depending on available resources and patient population served.
Cerulli
Jennifer
J
Albany College of Pharmacy, Union University, 106 New Scotland, Albany, NY 12208, USA. cerullij@acp.edu
Zeolla
Mario M
MM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000191:economics*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000639:trends*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium