In News

Follow this topic

Bookmark

Record learning outcomes

A report by Healthwatch Derbyshire on the public’s awareness and experience of Pharmacy First has revealed people have still not heard of the service and more effective publicity is needed to generate better understanding of it.

Just over half of the 220 people who completed a survey by Healthwatch Derbyshire, equating to 55 per cent, said they had heard of Pharmacy First, which launched in January last year.

Younger people, males and people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds were less aware of Pharmacy First.

Just 27 per cent of 13 to 24-year-olds had heard of it, while 33 per cent of males and two out of 11 people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds were aware of Pharmacy First. However, awareness was higher among people with a disability, health condition or caring responsibilities.

Improve engagement with faith groups – supply information in different languages

The report concluded “easy-to-understand information” on the seven conditions covered by the service “could help” increase public awareness.

“It may be important to highlight the benefits of Pharmacy First to Derbyshire residents and the wider healthcare system. This could ensure more people get the right care at the right time,” the report said.

It recommended “targeted promotion” in sports clubs, leisure centres, gymnasiums, barber shops, schools, colleges and universities would help drive awareness.

The report also said improved engagement with local communities and faith groups was needed and information should be supplied in different languages.

Healthwatch Derbyshire carried out the study between July and October 2024 and said it “advertised the survey on social media” and “gathered feedback in person at groups, events and summer fetes”.

Sixty-six per cent of respondents said they would think about using Pharmacy First if they were given information explaining what it is, while 27 per cent who completed the survey said they have used the service.

Eighty per cent of those who used Pharmacy First said they were “satisfied or very satisfied” with it and the same number said they would consider using Pharmacy First for sinusitis.

Forty-four per cent said they would consider using it for earache in children aged one to 17 years, for a family member or someone they cared for.

Concerned about getting a correct diagnosis

However, the report said respondents expressed concerns about using Pharmacy First for shingles. Fifty-seven per cent said they would think about using the service for shingles but 36 per cent said they would not or were unsure.

The reasons for their concerns were varied. Some were concerned about getting a correct diagnosis and others were worried about going to a pharmacy with a contagious condition. The study found opinions changed depending on the experience of family members having it “and knowing how ill people can get from it”.

Some people with existing health conditions and parents whose children have health issues said they preferred to continue seeing their GP.

However, the study found people “had a high opinion of pharmacies and their staff” because they were “knowledgeable and approachable”.

“(Respondents) appreciated the service (pharmacies) offered including the convenience of locations and opening times,” the report said.