self care Flashcards
what does self care mean?
common terms: self care, responding to symptoms, managing minor ailments, OTC (over the counter advice)
– Describe the role of the pharmacist in supporting patients with their self care needs
- Support patients in the safe and effective
management of their minor conditions - Correct identification of the clinical issue
- Present the patient with treatment options or refer
as appropriate - Ensure the patient has all the advice and
information they need
what is NOT the role of the pharmacist in self care?
- Not – giving patient products they don’t need
- Not – sending patient away without advice
- Not – referring everything to the GP
what are the 2 ways patients present at a pharmacy
Request by medicine name
Request by symptom
how do you act in a request by medicine name scenario
- Previous condition / use of medicine e.g. hayfever
- Have they used this medicine before?
- Select product and remind of:
– Dose, warnings, contra - indications - Check understanding
- Check “ is this still alright for you”?
- Non drug advice
- Remind to read leaflet
- When to seek medical advice or return to you
how to enquire in a request by symptom patient scenario?
- Questioning framework
- Listen and make a diagnosis and decision
- Explain this to patient
A. Select medicine, explain choice, dose & warnings - Check understanding and re-explain
- Non-drug advice and follow up
B. Refer to appropriate HCP, explaining reasoning and urgency
C. Non – drug advice only
List the main frameworks used to question patients
- WWHAM
- OPQRST assessment
- QuEST / SCHOLAR MAC
- AS METHOD
- SIT DOWN SIR
- ENCORE
Describe the factors involved in how we communicate with patients
- so much non verbal communication occurs: body language = posture, appearance, closeness, movements
- matching and mirroring the person is good: adopt their body posture and match their expressions and casual/not language
- beware of your close ended q’s in frameworks, e.g WWHAM: change these to open q’s
what is communication
communication: Process of exchange of information between two or more people with the goal of getting a message across
- List the main warning signs that warrant referral
Red flags can be identified from the patient history and the clinical examination e.g. unexplained weight loss
how can we minimise the risk of missing red flags:
- Ensure that you start with open questions when taking a patient history. Follow up with more specific, closed questions;
- Explore the presenting complaint or reason for the consultation in detail;
- Search for hidden red flags on examination and when questioning the patient;
- Be aware of red flags that, when present in combination, increase the probability of serious pathology (e.g. cough lasting more than three weeks combined with fatigue and unexplained weight loss)
The categorisation of red flags by body systems or common conditions can support clinicians in their approach
what is the right route of referral
Depends on the situation?
- Call 999, stay with patient
- Send patient to A&E in own transport
- Phone GP, make urgent appointment
- Ask patient to make routine appointment ?
- Ask patient to come back to you
Keep a record of your action on their PMR
Describe what a personal framework for learning about self-care could look like
Consider what you think you would need to learn about each condition, so that you could confidently help your patients?
- stay updated on each one
- Pathophysiology: Understand the underlying mechanisms of the condition to inform self-care strategies.
- Pharmacological Treatments: Know the medications involved and their roles in managing the condition.
- Non-Pharmacological Approaches: Explore lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and alternative therapies that can support patient health.
- Patient Education: Develop clear, empathetic communication strategies to educate patients about self-care options, including benefits and potential risks.
