Community pharmacies embedded within student health centers on college and university campuses: A cross-sectional survey

Pharmacies embedded within student health centers on college and university campuses provide a unique opportunity for pharmacists to improve the health, safety, and well-being of young adults. However, little is known about these pharmacies. To describe the demographic and operational characteristics of on-campus pharmacies in the United States, and then describe medication dispensing and clinical services provided by pharmacists at these pharmacies. Cross-sectional survey of pharmacy directors or equivalent representatives of on-campus pharmacies identified through the American College Health Association directory. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. A representative at 103 on-campus pharmacies was contacted. Of these, 53 representatives completed the online survey (response rate of 51.5%). On-campus pharmacies are generally small in terms of both size and pharmacy staff. They most commonly serve students, faculty, and staff and are not usually open to the general public. Pharmacies are largely focused on dispensing prescriptions, with few reporting disease-state management services. Many receive income through sources other than dispensing prescriptions. Less than half were located at an institution with a school or college of pharmacy. On-campus pharmacies are largely focused on dispensing prescriptions, but they have unique operational characteristics, and these characteristics frequently contribute to financial vulnerability. On-campus pharmacies are well positioned to develop services that are independent of dispensing roles, and engagement in these activities will become increasingly important as drug reimbursement declines. Future research is needed on the challenges facing on-campus pharmacies and on how pharmacists can help meet the needs of student populations.