Michael Fleck
Patient Interest in Utilizing Community Pharmacies for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Management
Michael Fleck is a PGY1 Community-Based Pharmacy Resident with Albertsons Companies Inc. in Philadelphia, PA.
“Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are highly prevalent and have a high economic burden. Prompt initiation of antibiotics are recommended for clinical cure in patients who have started experiencing symptoms. Since community-based pharmacists are easily accessible, pharmacists may be able to bridge a gap in women's healthcare by providing UTI management at community-based pharmacies.
The motivation for this project stemmed from my experience in community pharmacies providing over-the-counter recommendations for patients. Many patients come into community pharmacies for symptomatic control of UTI symptoms, which generally requires a referral. The goal of this research is to identify patients' interest in utilizing community pharmacists for UTI management, which may support the need for an expansion of the scope of the pharmacist.
I am grateful to be the recipient of the APhA Foundation Incentive Grant this year. I am excited because I believe this project will serve as a steppingstone for more projects that will demonstrate the value of community pharmacists for many more patient care services.”