Look out for articles concerning screening in newspapers and magazines, which will give you an insight into how screening tests can be used by customers.

You can use information sources already present in the pharmacy, such as other articles, websites, at-home test kits you stock or screening services you provide. Develop a ‘diagnostics’ mindset and see this revolution as a way of anchoring your pharmacy even more firmly in the healthcare arena as a true centre for patient care.

You will find a lot of information on screening and health in our diagnostics article. In order to make it relevant to your work, consider:

• What is the difference between screening, testing and diagnosis? Discuss with your pharmacist
• What is the difference between screening and diagnostic tests?
• What are the benefits of screening? What are the drawbacks?
• Which screening services do you provide in the pharmacy? What at-home test kits do you sell?
• What does the Royal Pharmaceutical Society guidance on screening and diagnostic testing outline about good practice in the pharmacy? What are the 10 principles of good practice?
• What screening tests does the NHS offer at different stages of life? How can you use this information to help your customers and encourage them to undergo the relevant tests?
• What is the NHS Health Check? Who is it intended for?
• What is the bowel cancer screening programme in your area?
• What can you do to raise awareness of cancer screening?
• How can you encourage customers to talk about their health? Think of a few phrases you could use to initiate a conversation with a reluctant customer.