How community pharmacy can help

The pharmacy team can contribute to both the mental and physical health of people with schizophrenia. Because of the increased risk of cardiovascular illness and death, pharmacies can intervene to support smoking cessation. The introduction of a national hypertension case finding service for the over-40s in England will enable community pharmacies to identify and refer for treatment. These two interventions will both save lives.

Pharmacy technicians and pharmacists also have an important role in ensuring medication for the treatment of schizophrenia is used effectively and safely.

Other contributions they can make include:

• Educating the public around the stigma associated with mental health especially schizophrenia
• Providing information about available support groups
• Contributing to the prevention of suicide
• Discussing with patients how they feel about their medicines and supporting them to have honest discussions about non-adherence
• Ensuring medication is used within the recommended dosage
• Giving advice on side effects and how to minimise or treat them
• Monitoring physical health
• Providing lifestyle advice, particularly advice on smoking cessation, diet and local exercise groups.