Care navigation and engaging with GPs
Care navigation and engaging with GPs
In 2016, Health Education England produced a Competency Framework on Care Navigation to help the public get the right support, at the right time, to help manage a wide range of needs.2 Across the country, GP reception and clerical staff are being trained in active signposting, helping them to direct patients to the most appropriate source of help. For many minor ailments, such as cold and flu, this will be the pharmacy.
There is plenty you can do to further engage with local GP surgeries to help drive this campaign:
1
Speak with GP practice managers about the services you offer in your pharmacy to help reduce GP workload (e.g. medicines use reviews, smoking cessation service, flu vaccination, etc.).
2
Encourage them to direct patients wanting an appointment for minor ailments to their local pharmacy for immediate support.
3
Invite GP staff to your pharmacy to give them a clear idea of how well-placed you are to help to their patients.
4
Arrange an event and have a stand within the surgery with leaflets on self-care to help promote OTC advice. You can take this opportunity to demonstrate your expertise, in addition to explaining your role in spotting red-light symptoms and referring back to GPs where appropriate.
Self Care Forum
Are you familiar with the resources available from the Self Care Forum?
You can download or order resources from its website.