Pharmacists Critical for Helping Patients in Maternity Care Deserts

In the United States, over 2 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 years live in an area without obstetric services or providers. These areas, called maternity care deserts, have increased over the last several years and lead to a higher prevalence of conditions associated with poorer health and birth outcomes.¹ As the most accessible members of health care teams, pharmacists are well positioned to provide care to patients living in a maternity care desert.

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, researchers sought to determine whether community pharmacists practicing in maternity care deserts or low access areas provide maternal health services recommended by the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations.

The study found that of the pharmacists who responded to a survey, only 35% recognized they are currently practicing in a maternity care desert. Although 96% said they believe community pharmacists can help optimize women’s health before and during pregnancy and 67% were interested in providing more services for women, they reported several obstacles. These included needing more staff, time, reimbursement, access to medical records and a private consultation space to develop new services.

The authors concluded the findings show a need to raise awareness and increase education among community pharmacists practicing in maternity care deserts or low access areas.

Drug Topics sat down with Natalie DiPietro Mager, PharmD, PhD, professor of pharmacy practice at Ohio Northern University and an author on the study, to discuss the primary role of pharmacists in addressing maternal health in maternity care deserts and what can be done to raise awareness and increase education among pharmacists about maternal health services and maternity care deserts.

“I think pharmacists really have a key role to play in ensuring comprehensive care and the continuity of care for patients,” DiPietro Mager said. “Really trying to ensure patients have equitable access to care…Once someone is pregnant, it’s almost too late sometimes to address some of the most important chronic conditions or health behaviors that might really impact their pregnancy and birth outcomes. As pharmacists, we are well positioned to work with patients on what we call the preconception or interconception period, which is just as important as supporting patients who are pregnant and postpartum. We have unique rolls that we can play in each of those areas.”

References

1. Duodu M, DiPietro Mager N. Provision of maternal health services among Ohio community pharmacists practicing in maternity care deserts. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2024 Nov 13:102292. doi: 10.1016/j.japh.2024.102292. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39542241.