10 Min
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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:
THROAT
SINUSITIS
INSECT BITES
TRACT INFECTIONS
MEDIA
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.
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WHO is the patient?
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WHAT are the symptoms?
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HOW long have they had the symptoms?
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ACTION taken?
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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
