Pharmacy First
The launch of Pharmacy First aims to grant patients access to a professional consultation within a convenient and easily reachable community pharmacy environment. This initiative helps alleviate the workload of other clinicians, allowing them to focus on treating patients with more severe conditions.
7 Conditions
Pharmacy First includes 7 clinical pathway conditions as described below.
Acute Sinusitis
Sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the sinuses, typically triggered by an infection. In the majority of instances, it can resolve independently with over-the-counter remedies and typically clears up completely within a span of four weeks. Pharmacy first inclusion: for adults and children aged 12 years and over.
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
UTI, a term covering bacterial infections of the urinary tract, presents in different ways. When bacteria move from the urethra to the bladder, it causes a lower urinary tract infection, often referred to as cystitis. If these bacteria advance into the kidneys, it results in an upper urinary tract infection, medically known as pyelonephritis. Pharmacy first inclusion: for women aged 16 to 64 years with suspected lower UTIs.
Acute Sore Throat
A sore throat occurs when the mucosa of the throat is affected by an acute upper respiratory tract infection. Pharmacy First inclusion: for adults and children aged 5 years and over. Exclude: pregnant individuals under 16 years
Shingles
Shingles, or herpes zoster, results from a viral infection targeting a specific nerve and the associated skin region it serves, known as a dermatome. This ailment arises due to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same pathogen responsible for causing chickenpox.. Pharmacy First inclusion: for adults aged 18 years and over.
Impetigo
Impetigo, a prevalent skin infection, typically manifests around the mouth and nose. It can appear in two forms: as fluid-filled blisters, known as bullous, or as non-bullous sores that do not blister, which are more common. Pharmacy First inclusion: for adults and children aged 1 year and over.
Infected Insect Bites
Insect bites can become infected, especially in the case of horsefly bites, and can result in sepsis in complicated scenarios. Pharmacy First inclusion: for adults and children aged 1 year and over.