A PATHWAY TO THE GP - THE PHARMACEUTICAL CONSULTATION AS A FIRST PORTOF CALL IN PRIMARY HEALTH-CARE

Objectives. This study explored advice-giving behaviour of staff in co mmunity pharmacies in order to generate fresh insights into the nature , sequence and process of pharmacy consultations for minor ailment adv ice. Method. An ethnographic-style research strategy was used, combini ng staff and patient interviews, with non-participant observation of m edicines and health-related interactions between pharmacy users and st aff. One full week was spent in each of ten pharmacies. Results. The s tudy highlighted that patients use pharmacies for treatment of minor a ilments, sometimes before going to the GP, and sometimes in preference to the GP. By matching remedies to conditions, community pharmacy sta ff play a major role in keeping minor ailments out of general practice , but act as an agent of referral in cases which merit a GP consultati on. Conclusion. It is in the interests of GPs to 'exploit' the advisor y role of the pharmacist. A two-way referral system would allow doctor s to build on the professional skills of the pharmacist as an over-the -counter expert, while ensuring that pharmacists have a channel throug h which to filter patients with potentially serious illnesses.