Pharmacist Remuneration Models in Community Pharmacy Across Countries: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Community pharmacists are compensated through diverse models globally, yet a comprehensive international synthesis is lacking. This scoping review maps pharmacist remuneration models in community pharmacy across countries. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, searches were conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar (2015–2025). Studies describing remuneration models were included; data were extracted on country, model type, and key characteristics. From 185 unique papers, 80 met inclusion criteria covering 22 countries. Five remuneration model types were identified: fee-for-service dispensing fees, professional service payments (medication reviews, minor ailment services), performance-based or value-based models, capitation systems, and salary-based arrangements. European nations predominantly use mixed price-margin and performance-based models; Anglo-Saxon countries increasingly incorporate professional service payments. Developing nations rely mainly on salary-based models. A global shift from product-oriented toward patient-centered remuneration is evident, though substantial heterogeneity and implementation challenges persist. International standardization of pharmacy payment frameworks remains a priority.