Summary
Summary
The Pharmacy First service has already proved very useful for the community, with over 125,000 NHS Pharmacy First consultations delivered in the first month of the service.16 Your continued support will help customers and often immediately benefit those who need access to care the most.
There are many ways you can support customers throughout different stages of the service
Recognising customers who may be eligible for the service can help to save time, money and reduce the risk of complications associated with treatment delay
For these conditions, offering prevention tips and advice to reduce the spread can limit the risk of infection and protect other members of the public
Recognising the eligibility criteria can help you identify those who may be eligible for the service.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
AMR has been identified as one the most pressing global challenges of this century. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats.17 AMR occurs when disease causing pathogens (bacteria, viruses and fungi) are no longer affected by antimicrobial medicines such as antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals. The inappropriate and overuse of these medicines can accelerate the effects of AMR.17
It’s important to remember that for most of the Pharmacy First conditions, antimicrobial treatment is often not required and symptoms can improve on their own; therefore, it’s important to only consider the service for those who are eligible.
References
1. NHS England. NHS Pharmacy First – Clinical Pathways. 2023.
Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PRN00936_ii_Pharmacy-First-Clinical-Pathways-v.1.6.pdf
2. NHS. Sore throat. 2024. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sore-throat/
3. NICE CKS. Sore throat – acute. 2023. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/sore-throat-acute/
4. NHS. Sinusitis (sinus infection). 2024. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/
5. NICE CKS. Sinusitis. 2024. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/sinusitis/
6. NHS. Insect bites and sting. 2023. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/
7. NICE CKS. Insect bites and stings. 2023. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/insect-bites-stings/
8. NHS. Urinary tract infections (UTIs). 2022. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
9. NICE CKS . Urinary tract infection (lower) – women. 2023. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/urinary-tract-infection-lower-women/
10. NICE. CKS. Otitis media – acute. 2024. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/otitis-media-acute/
11. NHS. Ear infections. 2021. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/
12. NICE. CKS. Shingles. 2024. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/shingles/
13. NHS. Shingles. 2023. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/
14. NHS. Impetigo. 2021. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/impetigo/
15. NICE. CKS. Impetigo. 2024. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/impetigo/
16. Pharmacy and appliance contractor dispensing data. NHS. Feb 2024.
Available at: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/prescription-data/dispensing-data/dispensing-contractors-data
17. NHS England. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 2023. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/antimicrobial-resistance-amr/
References last accessed September 2024.
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/
Adverse events should also be reported to pv.uk@viatris.com