Survey shows pharmacists' loyalty to patients regardless of weather

Despite a challenging 2009-10 winter, the majority of pharmacists across 26 states (79% of respondents) that were affected by the snow largely managed to keep standard business hours, according to a survey conducted by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

A total of 85 community pharmacies were surveyed over a one-week period in February.

Survey findings also showed that:
• Some pharmacies stayed open late or opened early to accommodate customers. Some relied on generators for power. Others expanded phone services in case of emergencies.
• Pharmacies’ home delivery service areas were expanded in 36% of respondents’ cases to address more patients.
• Because of interruptions in mail service, 45% of respondents saw a rise in the number of patients requesting emergency fills.