Makhaila Esquibel
What factors are associated with receipt of over-the-counter pharmacy services among patients at a Midwest Federally Qualified Health Center?
Makhaila Esquibel is a PGY1 community-based pharmacy resident at the Healthlinc - Mishawaka Clinic in Mishawaka, IN.
“Over-the-counter (OTC) medications provide patients with affordable and easily accessible healthcare options. Community pharmacists are valuable access points for healthcare information, including OTC medication decision-making guidance. Only a few published studies evaluated different factors affecting the accessibility of OTC pharmacy services. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess the predictive factors and accessibility of OTC pharmacy services at Federally Qualified Health Centers.
The aim of this project was to improve pharmacy services to better assist our patients. Many patients do not receive guidance on over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and they may not know how to use them correctly. By examining various health determinants, pharmacists can gain insights on how to effectively educate patients about OTC services.
I am truly honored to receive an Incentive Grant and excited to use the funds for a research project that will help pharmacists better customize our services to meet the needs of our patients.”