Family Practice Vol. 20, No. 1, 54-57
© Oxford University Press 2003
Clinical Research |
Identification of patients attending Accident and Emergency who may be suitable for treatment by a pharmacist
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Trust, London, UK.
Correspondence to Duncan McRobbie, Pharmacy Department, St Thomas’ Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EH, UK; E-mail: duncan.mcrobbie{at}gstt.sthames.nhs.uk
Background. Several studies have demonstrated that 25–40% of Accident & Emergency department attendances are for conditions that could be managed by the patient’s general practitioner. The number of these who could be appropriately managed by a community pharmacist, has not previously been established.
Objective. To establish the frequency with which patients attend an inner city A&E department with problems that could be managed by a community pharmacist.
Methods. A cross-sectional, retrospective review of A&E records for adult patients (>16 years) was conducted during the first two weeks of March 1999. Application of recognised criteria identified patients whose conditions were suitable for treatment by a pharmacist. Associated patient characteristics were investigated.
Results. During the study period 2636 adult patients attended the A&E department. Pharmacist management was considered appropriate in 8% of adult attendances (95% CI 6.8–8.9). The most commonly presented symptoms considered appropriate for pharmacist treatment included those of upper respiratory, gastrointestinal and pain conditions and reflect those previously identified in the literature.
Conclusions. A pharmacist could manage an estimated 8% of adult attendances at this A&E department. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of the general public of the role of a community pharmacist to reduce demand on A&E and GP services.
Keywords. Accident and Emergency, management, primary care, pharmacist.