Access and barriers to Community Pharmacies in Solihull

Healthwatch Solihull wanted to understand the barriers and facilitators for Solihull patients’ use of the range of services now offered by many community pharmacists.  They undertook a survey which was completed by 263 people and a simple poll on social media which elicited 3545 responses.

They found that, many people are positive about community pharmacies. It is a valued service, which individuals rely on to manage their existing conditions or treatment for minor illnesses. 

The data suggest though that there are three key areas of focus that would improve community pharmacy for local people. These are: 

Awareness - Information & Communication: the findings suggest a general confusion about what is now available from community pharmacists. More needs to be done for the public to understand what is available and how Community Pharmacy works. A local campaign may build confidence in community pharmacy as a first point of contact in primary care.

General Practice Referral: The public had most confidence to attend community pharmacy if the referral came from their GP rather than the receptionist. Work needs to be done to increase the number of referrals from General Practices, along with improved explanation to drive confidence in pharmacists. Timely data is needed on the number of referrals into community pharmacy and monitoring of the Pharmacy First programme. The local Integrated Care Board (ICB) needs to be sited on this for continuous improvement and to identify any inequalities of access. 

Facilities: Caring and confidential service. There is a need for better systems to enable patients to feel comfortable speaking with a pharmacist on personal issues and development to aid more confidential discussions to take place. 

Despite the national direction of travel, and the commitment to develop community pharmacy locally, local Primary Care Strategies are focused on supporting General Practice rather than the wider primary care system. The findings of this report demonstrate the need to include community pharmacy as a central solution to meeting the health needs of local people.