Publication: A multi-method evaluation of the Pharmacy First Minor Ailments scheme
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Issued Date
2011
Resource Type
File Type
application/pdf
ISSN
22107703
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-79960070436
Rights Holder(s)
Scopus
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy. Vol 33, No.3 (2011), p.573-581
Suggested Citation
Pumtong S., Boardman H.F., Anderson C.W. A multi-method evaluation of the Pharmacy First Minor Ailments scheme. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy. Vol 33, No.3 (2011), p.573-581. doi:10.1007/s11096-011-9513-2 Retrieved from: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14740/7322
Author(s)
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate whether the Pharmacy First Minor Ailments scheme achieved its objectives in terms of improving access to medicines and reducing doctor workload for minor ailments by enhancing the role of community pharmacists in the management of minor ailments. Setting Nottingham, the United Kingdom. Methods A mixed-methods study was conducted, including semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, a patient survey, and an analysis of the Nottingham City Primary Care Trust data. Main outcome measures Stakeholders' acceptability of the scheme and scheme users' satisfaction with the scheme. Results Most health care professionals were positive about the implementation of the scheme, although they reported some problems, such as the restricted formulary. The majority of stakeholders perceived benefits of the scheme for both patients and health care professionals. The level of patient satisfaction with the scheme was high, particularly in terms of ease of access and convenience. The current structure of the scheme appears to be an acceptable way to run the scheme. Since its commencement the scheme has enabled the transfer of a substantial number of minor ailments consultations from general practices to community pharmacies. Conclusion It appears that the Nottingham City Primary Care Trust is successful using community pharmacies to improve access to medicines and provide a greater choice in primary care for patients with minor ailments. Thus, the Primary Care Trust should continue the scheme, although there are some important issues (e.g. the restricted formulary, the lack of privacy in some pharmacies) that need to be addressed to improve and develop the service further. The Nottingham City Primary Care Trust should build on this success to further utilise the pharmacy in their primary care service development. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011.
Subject(s)
Adult
Article
Community care
Consultation
Drug formulary
Female
General practice
Health care access
Human
Job satisfaction
Male
Multimethod study
Outcome assessment
Patient care
Patient satisfaction
Pharmaceutical care
Pharmacy
Primary medical care
Priority journal
Professional image
Semi structured interview
United Kingdom
Workload
Adolescent
Adult
Community Pharmacy Services
Data Collection
Female
General Practitioners
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Satisfaction
Pharmacists
Young Adult
Article
Community care
Consultation
Drug formulary
Female
General practice
Health care access
Human
Job satisfaction
Male
Multimethod study
Outcome assessment
Patient care
Patient satisfaction
Pharmaceutical care
Pharmacy
Primary medical care
Priority journal
Professional image
Semi structured interview
United Kingdom
Workload
Adolescent
Adult
Community Pharmacy Services
Data Collection
Female
General Practitioners
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Satisfaction
Pharmacists
Young Adult