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Pharmacy first in practice clock10 Min

Go to Viatris: Pharmacist Support Resources
Pharmacy first in practice clock10 Min

FOR UK HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ONLY

This module examines the role of the pharmacy team in the successful delivery of the Pharmacy First service.

Learning objectives

By working through the case studies for each condition, you will be able to:

  • Recognise who may be eligible for the service

  • Support customers following their Pharmacy First consultation

  • Advise those who are not eligible for the service

  • Identify when customers may require urgent referral by recognising red flags

The new Pharmacy First service, launched in January 2024, involves pharmacists providing advice and NHS-funded treatment, where clinically appropriate, for seven common conditions.

These include:

ACUTE SORE
THROAT
ACUTE
SINUSITIS
INFECTED
INSECT BITES
UNCOMPLICATED URINARY
TRACT INFECTIONS
ACUTE OTITIS
MEDIA
SHINGLES
IMPETIGO

The role of the pharmacy team

The Pharmacy First service can be provided to patients presenting to the pharmacy as well as those referred by NHS 111, GPs and others.

Although Pharmacy First consultations are undertaken by the pharmacist, there are important ways in which pharmacy staff can help to support this service and their pharmacists. These include identifying patients who can be referred to the service and offering self-care advice and product recommendations to help ease symptoms.

When having conversations with customers, it’s important to always use the WWHAM framework and check with the pharmacist to ensure suitability of products before selling them.

  1. WHO is the patient?

  2. WHAT are the symptoms?

  3. HOW long have they had the symptoms?

  4. ACTION taken?

  5. MEDICINES or medical conditions?

Managing expectations

When you refer customers to the Pharmacy First service, ensure that they understand that this does not automatically mean that they will receive treatment, including antibiotics. The pharmacist will assess them to confirm that treatment is indicated and suitable. They will also consider factors such as the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, it is important that only those who are suitable for the service are referred.

Content developed by Viatris working together with CIG Healthcare Partnership.
© 2024 CIG Healthcare Partnership

UK-PFP-2024-00010 | JUNE 2024