Minor Ailments Flashcards
What is a minor ailment?
conditions requiring little or no medical intervention
- can be supported with practical measures
self-limiting conditions
conditions of short duration
generally non-debilitating
What is a minor ailment scheme?
is a locally tailored scheme
patients are encouraged to contact the community pharmacy instead of the GP
- reduce pressure on GPs
there is a specified list of minor ailments
is an NHS service for children, people aged 60 or over, people who hold a medical exemption certificate and people on certain benefits
- provides free OTC medication
What can pharmacist provide under the minor ailment scheme?
advice
medication from the agreed local formulary
referral to GP if necessary
Who are the drivers of the minor ailment scheme?
the NHS plan
- states self care is the key to modernisation
- wants better use of the skills of NHS staff
- improved access to GPs
Pharmacy in the Future
- people get more help from pharmacist in using their medicines
A Vision for Pharmacy in the Future
- support patients in caring for themselves
- help tackle inequalities of services
Why might people prefer prescriptions over the minor ailment scheme?
people on low income are more likely to want prescriptions
- minor ailment scheme is cheaper than prescription charges but is still expensive for those on low income
What are example of ailments covered in the minor ailment scheme?
allergic rhinitis athletes foot back pain cold sores constipation bacterial conjunctivitis nappy rash mouth ulcers teething threadworms vaginal thrush cystitis dermatitis dyspepsia/indigestion
How are the formularies for the minor ailment scheme decided?
are agreed locally - on which OTC can be given all professionals involved sign up is evidence based is the same medication typically supplied by the GP avoid blacklisted products - products not on NHS prescriptions
How can patients access the minor ailment scheme?
referral from the GP practice
self-referral
registration with the pharmacy
What is the method for GP practice referrals?
1) Patient visits surgery
2) Patient given the choice to access the scheme if MA identified
3) Patient referred to participating pharmacy via voucher/registration form
4) Patient consultation takes place
5) Appropriate documentation completed
6) Completed forms sent to CCG (clinical commissioning groups) and GP
7) Pharmacy reimbursed as appropriate
What is the method for self-referrals?
1) Patient visits participating pharmacy in local area
2) Pharmacy verifies eligibility
3) Patient consultation takes place
4) Documentation completed
5) Completed forms sent to GP and CCG
6) Pharmacy reimbursed
What is the method for pharmacy registration?
similar to self-referral
1) Patient visits participating pharmacy in local area
2) Pharmacy verifies eligibility
3) Patient consultation takes place
4) Documentation completed
5) Completed forms sent to GP and CCG
6) Pharmacy reimbursed
Patient must register with ONE participating local pharmacy
- cannot go to multiple different pharmacies
Patient must visit this pharmacy to access the scheme each time that it is required
Patient may be provided with unique registration card
- identification
What are the advantages and disadvantages of GP practice referral?
advantages
- evident that pharmacy consultation substitutes for GP appointment
- ensures patient eligibility
- able to monitor usage
disadvantages
- increases practice staff workload = talk to practice staff first before seeing the GP
- receptionist role may be seen as triage
- GP practice must wish to actively participate
- patient must go to practice to access scheme
- GP still seen as first point of contact
What are the advantages and disadvantages of self-referral?
advantages
- pharmacy first point of contact= does not go through the GP
- promotes role of pharmacy
- easier access
- more user friendly
- empowers patient
- reduce GP practice staff workload
- open to all eligible patients in local area
disadvantages
- does not provide evidence of substitution for GP appointment
= GP does not know it has occurred until sent the notification
- checking eligibility may be more difficult
- increased pharmacy workload
- potential for abuse
= patients can visit multiple pharmacies
- more difficult to monitor usage
What are the advantages and disadvantages of pharmacy registration?
advantages - pharmacy first point of contact - promotes role of pharmacy - easier access - more user friendly - empowers patient - open to all eligible patients in local area - enables monitoring of usage - less open to abuse = one point of contact - potential patient safety
disadvantages - does not provide evidence of substitution for GP appointment - reduces patient choice = on where to go - increases pharmacy workload
What documentation is required for the minor ailment scheme?
registration form/voucher patient exemption declaration pharmacist prescription form - GP copy, pharmacist copy, CCG copy pharmacist rapid referral form
