Recruitment to rural areas declines

Pharmacist vacancy rates in remote locations increase, imposing service restrictions on the vulnerable population and the elderly. Transport links, remuneration levels and career opportunities for pharmacists do not transcend the urban-rural divide.

Proposed workforce impact

• Increased demand for community pharmacists in remote locations.
• Telehealth and online consultations are increasingly implemented as an alternative.

Sources or references

• http://www.human-resources-health.com/content/7/1/48
• http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/reports/pharmaciststudy.pdf

Additional research questions

• What are the current vacancy rates for rural and coastal areas in England?
• Do broadband connectivity rates in remote areas support the implementation of technological solutions?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.