A cross-sectional investigation of a mobile health clinic run by undergraduate pharmacy students providing services to underserved communities.

Abstract

Background: Mobile health clinics have been used to provide healthcare to underserved communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Student-led clinics, operated by undergraduate health students, offer valuable training while serving these populations.

Aim: This cross-sectional study investigated the demographic characteristics and services provided by a mobile health clinic run by undergraduate pharmacy students, assessing its potential to reach underserved communities.

Method: The mobile health clinic operated from October 2023 to April 2024, staffed by 36 fourth-year pharmacy students. Services included cardiovascular disease risk screening and lifestyle advice. Demographic and service data were collected using an electronic primary care system and analysed with descriptive statistics.

Results: The clinic served 716 users, with a demographic breakdown of 53.2% female and 46.8% male, predominantly aged 31-60 years. Users were ethnically diverse. Services provided included blood pressure (91.3%), BMI (91.3%), and diabetes risk assessments (54.9%). Many users reported low risk for smoking and alcohol consumption, but varied levels of physical activity. Referrals were made for cardiovascular disease risk and lifestyle support.

Conclusion: The mobile health clinic effectively reached a diverse, underserved population, providing essential health services and facilitating student training. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact and cost-effectiveness of such clinics, and the follow-up care for referred patients.