Eighty percent.This is a daunting percentage Show how many counties there are The entire United States is considered a medical care or medical desert.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, this was an unacceptable problem. Now, as the world responds to the global public health crisis—people need more access to health care and a better understanding of health care, it reveals an obvious fact.

Medical deserts exist in both rural and urban areas.It’s not uncommon Community of color We also have to face the lack of medical resources.Those underserved communities also face disproportionate problems Interruption and loss Because of the epidemic.

It’s time to repeat that story.

In the medical desert crisis, there may be an opportunity—of course, an obligation—to redefine what a medical desert is.Pharmacists can use Telemedicine expansion, Their patient-based skills and strong community connections fill in some of the gaps in visits.

In the absence of so-called “traditional” physical medical facilities, pharmacists have been using telemedicine to help patients contact doctors to answer questions, resolve concerns, and set health goals. With the help of digital tools such as tablets and smartphones, they sometimes “accompany” patients during telemedicine appointments. If the pharmacy has a telemedicine center, they can make the appointment remotely or in person.

Some rural areas have implemented a telemedicine model, providing remote pharmacy services where there are no pharmacies.

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exist North Dakota, The pharmacy technician prepares the prescription and obtains the approval of the pharmacist through the video conference to dispense the medicine (the patient first receives the consultation of the pharmacist, and also through the video conference.) Nebraska Rural hospitals are using remote pharmacists to review electronic health records to verify prescriptions and review patients’ medical histories before hospital staff distribute them.

This TelePrEP program Provides another mode, which expands the Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) Provide medication to people at risk of contracting HIV who live in rural Iowa. The patient uses a smartphone application or video technology to meet with a pharmacist. The pharmacist provides consultation and prescribes a PrEP plan. Pharmacists also conduct follow-up telemedicine calls with patients to monitor their compliance.

Pharmacists can also use their experience and training to provide basic primary care functions, especially for patients with chronic diseases, to monitor blood sugar and blood pressure and other indicators. Some chain pharmacies have adopted this model through walk-in clinics. If the pharmacist is concerned about the readings, they will contact the patient with the doctor to view the results, adjust the medication, and discuss follow-up care.

Pharmacists are more than just dispensers and patient navigators. They are usually the most familiar and accessible medical professionals in the community. For example, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they provided guidance, COVID testing, vaccine advice, and the vaccine itself.

This is effective because pharmacists usually have established a personal connection with the community in which they work, because their daily face-to-face interaction allows them to gain credibility and trust in the entire community, providing patients (and sometimes neighbors) with common ground and effective , Tailor-made drug information, health and wellness.

The lack of medical resources does not necessarily endanger the health of the entire community. Some key, well-located resources can greatly facilitate access and understanding. Pharmacists can certainly play a role, and they can play a role effectively (and cost-effectively) by providing important basic medical services and telemedicine technology. Filling in some of the gaps in resources allows pharmacists to elevate and empower communities and begin to transform medical deserts into healthier places to live.