A new survey from Wolters Kluwer Health reveals how changes in the pharmacy and retail healthcare environment are influencing consumer attitudes and behaviors toward medication access and care.
The survey titled Pharmacy Next: Health Consumer Medication Trends highlights concerns about pharmacy closures, rising prescription costs and increasing interest in technology to support medication management, according to a Nov. 19 news release from Wolters Kluwer Health.
As major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid announce the closure of approximately 2,600 stores, 59% of Americans are worried about obtaining medications close to home. Despite the growth of PBMs, 16% of those surveyed prefer using online pharmacies, signaling a demand for in-person care options.
Here are key survey findings:
- Thirty-two percent of respondents report that shortages have affected their ability to access prescriptions.
- Fifteen percent of Americans feel that the closure of retail health clinics like Walmart and Dollar General have limited access to convenient care.
- While 52% of participants say the cost of their prescriptions has increased in the last few years, this is down from 64% in 2023. Forty-four percent of Americans reported turning to coupon sites for prescriptions such as GoodRx.
- The survey also found that 32% of respondents said drug shortages have impacted their ability to access medications.