Background
·
Most GPs spend a significant
proportion of their working day dealing with minor ailments; for some patients
this is entirely appropriate, for many others it is an inconvenient and inefficient
way of getting help to look after themselves.
·
Emergency
appointments are taken up by people with minor ailments.
·
Each
GP’s workload could be reduced by up to 16 consultations a day if
self-medication were encouraged for certain minor ailments.1
·
Pharmacists
have an important role to play in providing alternative support for such
patients in a convenient and accessible manner from their local community
pharmacy.
·
This
role has been recognised by the Department of Health in the document Building on the Best, Choice,
Responsiveness and Equity in the NHS “Promoting
minor ailments schemes where pharmacies can help patients manage conditions
like coughs, hay fever and stomach upsets without involving their GP”.
How it works
·
A
formulary of medicines that can be supplied under the scheme is agreed.
Prescription only medicines are not included in the current scheme.
·
Vouchers
to obtain advice and medicines will be available from GP surgeries &
pharmacies.
·
Arrangements
will be put in place for fast track referral back to the GP if this is
required.
·
Patients
exempt from prescription charges still receive their medicines free of charge;
those who pay for prescriptions will be given the choice of paying a
prescription charge or buying the medicine if it is cheaper.2
References
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1Sheehy C and Jones L (2003) Direct
Supply of Medicines in Scotland: Extended Monitoring of a Pilot Scheme,
Scottish Executive Social Research, www.scotland.gov.uk/cru/resfinds/hcc30-00.asp
2 Building on the Best. Choice, Responsiveness and Equity in the
NHS. Department of Health, December 200
|
Did you
want to see the Doctor about one of these illnesses? Indigestion/ Heartburn Headache/ Earache/ Temperature Hay fever Nappy Rash Athletes Foot Sore Throat Vaginal Thrush Head Lice Constipation Threadworm Nasal congestion Diarrhoea You don’t need
to wait to see the doctor! Your doctor, PCT and local Community Pharmacists are
working together on a new initiative. If appropriate, the pharmacists can supply you with a
medicine from a list agreed with your doctor. If you are exempt from prescription
charges you will not have to pay for the medicine. |
What it means to the Patient
·
Access
to treatment is quicker and easier
·
Medicines
are used more appropriately
·
There
is no anxiety about ‘bothering the doctor’
·
‘Self-care’
is promoted
What it means to the GP
·
Inappropriate
consultations are reduced
·
More
time can be spent with those patients who really need to see them
·
Patients
who do require to be seen by the GP can be ‘fast tracked’
What it means to the PCT
·
It
helps to achieve access targets
·
Reductions
in certain categories of drug expenditure is achieved as patients are helped to
self manage their conditions more effectively
What it means to the Pharmacist
·
Makes
better use of their professional skills
·
Encourages
working in an integrated way with other members of the primary healthcare team
What it costs
·
Pharmacists
receive a professional fee for each consultation and if medicines are supplied
they are reimbursed at cost price
·
This
is significantly less than the average cost of a GP consultation
Conclusion
·
Access
to treatment for patients is quicker and easier
·
Self
care is encouraged
·
GPs
have more time for those patients who really need to see them
·
Medicines
are used more appropriately