'Pandemic has positively changed patient perceptions about community pharmacy'

Sixty-seven per cent of UK independent pharmacists say the pandemic has positively changed how patients view the clinical services offered by community pharmacy.

The research -- carried out with an independent panel of more than 100 community pharmacists -- revealed that 35 per cent of them had increased their clinical services to fulfil patient demand during the pandemic.

Seventeen per cent said they had expanded their private clinical services such as vaccinations and dermatology, with a further 17 per cent adding sexual health services such as emergency contraception and chlamydia screening in their services offer.

Thirty per cent introduced NHS health checks and emergency supply NHS services during the pandemic.

While one in seven now offer chronic illness services supporting patients with diabetes and respiratory disease, 14 per cent added healthy living services such as weight management and stopping smoking support services in their pharmacies.

Twelve per cent introduced cardiovascular services and a further 12 per cent are now involved in blood borne virus screening.

Seventy-four per cent began offering Covid-19 services such as vaccinations and lateral flow testing, and one in four signed up to the advanced Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS).

The research -- commissioned by HubRx -- asked independent pharmacists which clinical services they were planning to introduce in 2022.

Fourteen per cent said they wanted to offer more private services including travel vaccinations and support for hair loss.

Seven per cent plan to offer patients access to addiction services, while a further six per cent will provide cardiovascular services.