UNIVERSITY
pharmacy in ensuring that, when someone attends the walk-in clinic, we invite them back at a later date to talk about what the pharmacy can offer them.
‘Our population is also very international in its make-up, with vastly differing models of healthcare from around the world and varying health beliefs all at play.
‘People come to our pharmacy who are used to whatever system of healthcare they had at home. In the United States, for example, they are used to a system that is very insurance led and they’re not used to the idea of healthcare delivered free at the point of care.
‘Cult beliefs also come into play, with many patients – particularly those from northern European countries, such as the Scandinavian region, very suspicious about over-use of antibiotics and so they are less likely to visit the GP for an antibiotic. Those from southern Europe are, however, more used to the culture of using antibiotics, which is why we are overusing them!
‘Now that, as pharmacists, we are increasingly involved in consultations, we have the opportunity to provide education as regards healthcare and can teach the students about educated support. Many students may, for example, be looking after themselves for the first time and so we have an excellent opportunity to speak to them about self care. We can also impress on them the vast range of services that they can access in community pharmacy without having to visit the GP.
‘As a prescribing pharmacist, I am in a position to help international patients, who may perhaps not be registered or who can’t access NHS services. As part of my role, I can not only do clinical assessments on short-term conditions, but can also help to signpost them to other relevant healthcare professionals.
‘The fact that our demographic is significantly younger than the normal community pharmacy means that our dispensing is relatively light, leaving us more time for consultations. We are actually funded as a rural small pharmacy which basically means that we are an essential small pharmacy. This type of pharmacy is usually seen in rural or socially deprived areas, but the nature of our demographic means that we have just enough NHS
business to remain viable and so we focus on the consultation side of the business.
‘In terms of the conditions that we most commonly see, obviously, with the age of our patients, we don’t see many heart problems, type 2 diabetes or chronic conditions.
‘What we do see, however, is a lot of asthma and an increasing incidence of depression. I would say on reflection that that is actually our biggest area of concern. Again, given the demographic, today’s students are under so many pressures - study, money, relationships – so it’s perhaps unsurprising that depression and anxiety are rife.
‘I think that, as pharmacists, we are in a perfect position to not only spot the early signs and symptoms of mental health issues, but to intervene and signpost to relevant mental health services. As such, I spend a lot of time providing advice on lifestyle changes that can help with mental health issues, such as improving sleep, hygiene etc.
‘I also deal a lot with gastric problems, most of which are linked to lifestyle. Irritable bowel syndrome, for example, is a major problem among the students.
‘Naturally, changes that occur in society are reflected in the patients, who use the pharmacy services. At Stirling, for example, we now have a small transgender population and we have to provide a service that is accessible to all. For that reason we pay great attention to detail in such matters as using the patient’s preferred name. Such steps are all vital in ensuring that our pharmacy is
designated as a ‘safe space’ in which we can provide one-on-one time for the patient’s needs.
‘The students’ various interests are also reflected in the services that we provide. Obviously many of the students will be involved in travelling and so our travel clinic is perfect for this demographic. Similarly, the fact that the students live and work in close proximity means that the private flu vaccination has a high take-up. Both of these clinics suit the style of the patient base that we service.
‘In addition to the walk-in clinic, our UTI drop-in service is also very well utilised. This has been running for about a year now and is part of the Forth Valley pharmacy initiative. Since our demographic tends to be sexually active we do quite a bit of work in areas such as emergency contraception.
‘By and large, university pharmacies are relatively rare. The University of Edinburgh has one that is owned by the university itself, and I believe that there are one or two down south, so our pharmacy is relatively unique. As with other community pharmacies, we’ve seen the nature of the work
change over the past 17 years. When we took over this pharmacy, community pharmacy was just about dispensing. That was reflected in the business hours of the pharmacy that we initially took over. At that point it was only open on a part-time basis. The fact that we’re now full time five days a week shows how much pharmacy today is about services under the NHS umbrella.
‘I think one of the main advantages of a university pharmacy is that it provides sheer convenience for the students – and indeed for the staff and those visiting the university. We also see a lot of people, who attend the university for conferences etc, so it’s a very eclectic mix.
‘Working in a university pharmacy is definitely never dull! The only down side I would say is that there tend to be more ‘quiet times’ than most pharmacists would be accustomed to – particularly given the length of holiday periods , when the university is all but deserted - but they give us a terrific opportunity to get caught up on our CPD!’ •
SCOTTISH PHARMACIST - 37
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