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Record learning outcomes

New research from health and social care champion Healthwatch suggests that, more than a year its launch, Pharmacy First has created a positive shift in public attitudes in England towards using pharmacies for symptom management and health advice (reports Rob Darracott). 

“Pharmacy First works well for many patients, and there is strong public support for expanding the initiative to cover more conditions,” it says. 

Healthwatch’s conclusions follow revisiting research conducted in November 2023, two months before the service was launched in England. It says that Pharmacy First has led to changes in why people visit pharmacies, but admits more research is needed to see if this growing openness to using the pharmacy for a wider range of conditions will lead to lasting change.

The representative poll of 7,029 adults in England, conducted in March and April, found that 44 per cent had visited their pharmacy for help with one of the seven conditions covered by Pharmacy First over the previous 12 months; 86 per cent reported a positive experience. 

Healthwatch say that while awareness has improved, there is more to do. “Nearly three in ten (29 per cent) who said they were unlikely to use a pharmacy for the seven conditions were unaware pharmacies could provide treatment and advice. Of this group, almost one in three (32 per cent) would still prefer to see their GP.” 

People in London were more likely to visit a pharmacy for a Pharmacy First service (56 per cent) than those in the East of England (35 per cent). Local Healthwatch teams report varying public awareness of the service, from 39 per cent in Halton to 72 per cent in Stockton-on-Tees.

Also read: CCA says members have provided over one million Pharmacy First consultations

The poll also found that problems accessing medicines, an issue in November 2024, are broadly unchanged. One in four (23 per cent) said they have been unable to get the medication they needed in the past 12 months because their pharmacy had run out, compared to 24 per cent previously. 

On a more positive note, privacy concerns appear to be diminishing. Just 8 per cent of people said they felt uncomfortable discussing their health concerns in a pharmacy, citing having to talk in front of other customers and lack of space for private conversations, both of which are solvable with greater use of consultation rooms and dedicated spaces.

The public also supports pharmacists doing more, Healthwatch report. “Over six in ten said they would use a pharmacy for conditions not currently included within Pharmacy First, including eye infections (67 per cent), skin problems (66 per cent) and management of high blood pressure or asthma (65 per cent).” 

Healthwatch recommend the Government take action to mitigate the impact of medication shortages, and continue to raise awareness of the Pharmacy First service to ensure more people can benefit, with proactive outreach to target groups.

The group says funding must increase, while pharmacy premises should be reviewed for appropriateness, accessibility and comfort. The scheme should also be expanded to cover more conditions. 

• “One year on: How is Pharmacy First working for patients” is published by Healthwatch and can be found at www.healthwatch.co.uk