Young person's pharmacy services

Healthwatch County Durham undertook research on young people’s awareness and use of pharmacy services. The research was commissioned by the Local Pharmaceutical Committee to understand how people under 25 access pharmacy services, what barriers they face, and where they obtain information about healthcare. Healthwatch engaged with schools, youth groups and young people across the county, receiving 439 completed surveys.

The research found that awareness of pharmacy services was generally high, particularly for medication advice (96%), stopping smoking services (84%), pregnancy testing (82%), sexual health services (79%) and emergency contraception (78%). However, awareness of the minor ailment service, drug addiction support and alcohol awareness services was lower. Many young people said they were unaware that some services, such as the minor ailment scheme, were available to under-16s or those under 19 in full-time education. 

Key barriers to accessing pharmacy services included concerns about confidentiality, with 48% worried about being overheard, and a preference for seeing a GP or nurse, reported by 60% of respondents. Young people said they would be more likely to use pharmacy services if private consultation rooms were available and if they had better information about the services on offer. The internet, social media, teachers, friends and family were the main sources of information, while posters and noticeboards were considered less effective. 

Healthwatch concluded that although young people were generally aware of pharmacy services, many lacked confidence in pharmacists’ role and were uncertain about how and where to access support. Recommendations included delivering information sessions in schools and colleges, improving awareness among parents and youth workers, simplifying service descriptions, developing online promotional campaigns, and exploring online chat facilities to help young people access advice and appropriate services.