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Cost analysis of a community pharmacy 'minor ailment scheme' across three primary care trusts in the North East of England

Baqir, W; Learoyd, T; Sim, A; Todd, A

Authors

W Baqir

T Learoyd

A Sim

A Todd



Abstract

Background: A large proportion of primary care medical consultations relate to minor ailments, placing a substantial burden on the UK National Health Service (NHS). In response, minor ailment schemes (MAS) have been introduced in several community pharmacies. Methods: Patients using MAS across three neighbouring primary care trusts were asked what action they would have taken if the MAS had not been in place. The net cost impact of the MAS was calculated using standard health-care reference costs. The observation period was one calendar month with annualized cost data. Results: During the observation period 396 patients used the MAS of whom 230 (58.1%) stated they would have made an appointment with their general practitioner (GP) if the MAS was not in place. A further 155 (39.1%) would have bought a medicine from the pharmacy. Other responses included attending the accident and emergency department at hospital (n= 2), consulting a health visitor (n= 1), or doing nothing (n= 8). The MAS is estimated to reduce local health-care costs by £6739 per month. Conclusions: MAS release NHS resources (especially in relation to GP consultations) by preventing (or minimizing) patient use of alternative and more costly branches of the NHS.

Citation

Baqir, W., Learoyd, T., Sim, A., & Todd, A. (2011). Cost analysis of a community pharmacy 'minor ailment scheme' across three primary care trusts in the North East of England. Journal of Public Health, 33(4), 551-555. https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdr012

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Feb 1, 2011
Deposit Date Jun 14, 2012
Journal Journal of Public Health
Print ISSN 1741-3842
Electronic ISSN 1741-3850
Publisher Oxford University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 33
Issue 4
Pages 551-555
DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdr012
Keywords Community pharmacy, Enhanced service, Minor ailments