Pharmacists Well-Placed To Deliver Vascular Checks, UK

Main Category: Vascular
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology;  Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 22 Feb 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Pharmacists' clinical knowledge and accessibility makes them well-placed to delivery vascular checks in the community, states the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB).

The RPSGB is responding to the Pulse article, Vascular screening vision blurred by primary care trusts (published 18 February), which claims GPs are better suited to provide vascular checks than pharmacists.

RPSGB Head of Practice, Heidi Wright said: "Community pharmacists are well-placed to implement the new vascular check programme. The fact some Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have already engaged with pharmacists to roll out the scheme is indicative of the confidence felt in pharmacists' abilities and clinical resources."

The vascular check programme is being launched in England in April, with a progressive roll-out expected to be completed by 2012/2013. The RPSGB is encouraging community pharmacists to become involved in the programme, given their visibility and accessibility among local populations. Community pharmacists, particularly those with extended operating hours, were highlighted in the 2008 White Paper, Pharmacy in England: building on strengths - delivering the future, as being in an ideal position to deliver vascular checks.

Heidi Wright said: "PCTs are responsible for delivering the programme through their commissioning processes. The Department of Health recognises vascular checks are suitable for delivery in a number of settings - including pharmacies.

"Pharmacies are an excellent point of contact for the general population - research shows 99 per cent of the population can reach a pharmacy by car, walking or public transport within 20 minutes. Pharmacies can offer a point of access to services for people who may not be registered with GPs.

"Further, community pharmacists offer services which complement vascular checks that could contribute to the success of the programme - for example, smoking cessation programmes and weight management services."

Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain