The healthcare landscape is evolving, with a growing emphasis on patient-centric approaches to medical innovation. Community pharmacists are now at the heart of healthcare innovation, taking on vital roles in early detection and patient care.
A number of patient-centric initiatives have been piloted, for example, UK pharmacists being trained to spot cancer symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, and unusual lumps, and refer patients directly to specialists. This training utilises the pharmacists’ frequent interactions with the public to ensure quicker access to specialist care, improving early diagnosis rates and enhancing patient outcomes. [1],[2],[3]
Alongside these training programmes, digital tools, like the Unify Health app, are revolutionising patient care. This app supports patients by tracking symptoms, managing medication, and facilitating communication with healthcare providers. For pharmacists, the app is a valuable resource for monitoring patient progress, offering timely advice, and ensuring treatment adherence.[4]
However, the shift towards patient-centric care isn’t just about early detection; it’s about creating an environment where patients feel informed and empowered. Community pharmacists, with their accessibility and expertise, are ideally positioned to lead this change. By integrating tools like the Unify Health app and participating in targeted training schemes, pharmacists can provide more personalised and effective care.
Joe Dunsford of Accord Healthcare recently spoke to Raconteur where he discussed a patient centric approach and demonstrated the Accord developed Unify app “This helps patients monitor their symptoms on a daily basis and advises on how to best manage them. Being well-informed can help patients feel more in control. The app also links patients to local pharmacies if they have specific questions or concerns.”
The Pharmacy First scheme launched earlier this year, further enhances the integration of pharmacists into primary care pathways and underscores their essential role in a patient-centric healthcare model.
Community pharmacists are more than dispensers of medication; they are essential healthcare providers, driving forward a patient-focused future in medical care.
To learn more about Accord Healthcare’s commitment to patient-centric care in oncology, read our recent article in Raconteur https://bit.ly/3xkTtd1
Date of preparation: June 2024 UK-Gen-NP-01448
References
[1] Brogen J. Alliance Healthcare launches cancer symptom referral scheme in UK pharmacies. Pharma Times. 08 April 2024 Last Accessed June 2024
[2] Shaw I. NEW HOPE Worried you have cancer? Pharmacists can check for ‘red flag’ signs and refer you, under new NHS plans. The Sun. 13 March 2024 Last accessed June 2024
[3] Lovell, T. More than 60 community pharmacies access cancer red-flag symptom card scheme. The Pharmaceutical Journal. 16 April 2024 Last accessed June 2024
[4] Unify Health. Unify Health. Last accessed June 2024
