White Paper by Global Advertising Strategies Explores the Importance of Patient-Pharmacist Interaction among Hispanic Patients and Caregivers
NEW YORK, May 24, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
A new white paper looks at the cultural nuances behind the relationship
between Hispanic patients and pharmacists in the United States.
Published by the cross-cultural marketing agency Global Advertising
Strategies, the white paper analyzes an opportunity for the healthcare
and pharmaceutical industry to connect with the Hispanic patient through
the pharmacist.
Easier accessible than a physician, a pharmacist often becomes the
Hispanic patient's or caregiver's primary information resource on
medication therapies, with an opportunity to provide critical patient
counseling. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases among the U.S.
Hispanics along with the increasing shortage of primary care physicians
is affecting the Hispanic community more severely than non-Hispanic
whites. Culturally, the Hispanic patient is more receptive to dealing
with the pharmacist, often developing a closer connection. With the
appropriate training and education programs, U.S. pharmacists can
increase their awareness of multicultural issues, and create a
healthcare environment that fosters trust from the Hispanic patient.
"Predisposition of Hispanic patients and caregivers to seek medical
advice from a pharmacist opens up an untapped communication pathway with
that audience," said Andy Bagnall, Global's VP of Client Services and
the Cross-Cultural Healthcare Practice Leader. "We wanted to look at the
characteristics behind that interaction through a cultural lens, and
explore the opportunities to improve the overall healthcare experience
for Hispanics."
"Next year the U.S. healthcare system will implement a switch to
electronic health records, giving pharmacists access to the diagnosis
and the patient's medical history," said Bruce Briggs, RPh, CEO of
Briggs PRN and former SVP of the National Association of Chain Drug
Stores (NACDS). "With the increased ability to counsel patients and
caregivers, culturally-competent knowledge and education are critical to
the success of the treatment."
For a limited time, the whitepaper is available for a free download at www.global-ny.com/insights.
