A model for a drug distribution system in remote Australia as a social determinant of health using event structure analysis

A model for a drug distribution system in remote Australia as a social determinant of health using event structure analysis Journal Article

BMC Health Services Research

• Author(s): Rovers, John P., Mages, Michelle D.
• Published: 2017
• Volume: 17
• ISBN: 1472-6963

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Abstract: The social determinants of health include the health systems under which people live and utilize health services. One social determinant, for which pharmacists are responsible, is designing drug distribution systems that ensure patients have safe and convenient access to medications. This is critical for settings with poor access to health care. Rural and remote Australia is one example of a setting where the pharmacy profession, schools of pharmacy, and regulatory agencies require pharmacists to assure medication access. Studies of drug distribution systems in such settings are uncommon. This study describes a model for a drug distribution system in an Aboriginal Health Service in remote Australia. The results may be useful for policy setting, pharmacy system design, health professions education, benchmarking, or quality assurance efforts for health system managers in similarly remote locations. The results also suggest that pharmacists can promote access to medications as a social determinant of health.

• Urls: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-017-2629-x
• Keywords: Drug distribution, Social determinants of health, Medication access, Australia, Rural and remote health, Pharmacy services, Quality improvement, Policy, Health professions education