PHLink announced today the publication of a Summary Report of the evidence-based research into the contribution of community pharmacy to improving the public’s health.

This report summarises the evidence identified from a series of literature reviews covering an 18 year period (1990 - 2007). It focuses on the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, quality and skill-mix of health improvement services provided in community pharmacies from 196 studies drawn from across the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The report confirms that community pharmacy has an established public health role in smoking cessation, diabetes, EHC, ‘flu immunisation and drug misuse, but that its potential role in other key areas, for example cardiovascular disease and weight management, still needs further research.

The charity’s Chair, Ray Jobling, explained: “We’re delighted to publish this report which gives new insights into the contribution that community pharmacy can make to improving health.

Whilst the public health role of community pharmacy is fairly well established in some respects, there are exciting new opportunities for further development and evaluation, particularly in the priority areas of cardiovascular disease and hypertension, but also in less high-profile areas, such as osteoporosis.

The indicators of outcomes of treatment in these areas are positive and we would welcome a structured programme of research in the UK to assist the development of these services in community pharmacies as a matter of urgency.”

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For further information please contact:
Veronica Wray
Mobile: 07710 624454 Direct: 020 8568 8546
Email: info@veronicawray.com

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

PharmacyHealthLink (PHLink) is an independent charity with the principal aim of developing the public health contribution of pharmacy through research, training and education.

PHLink provides a series of public health resources to help pharmacists deliver their public health role and these can be found on their website at www.phlink.org.uk.

PHLink New Office:
28 Portland Place
LONDON W1B 1DE
Telephone: 020 7291 8372

Report reference:

Anderson C, Blenkinsopp A, Armstrong M (2009). The contribution of community pharmacy to improving the public’s health: Summary report of the literature review 1990-2007. London, PharmacyHealthLink. www.phlink.org.uk

Authors:

Claire Anderson - Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Social Pharmacy, University of Nottingham.
Alison Blenkinsopp - Professor of the Practice of Pharmacy, Dept of Medicines Management, Keele University.
Miriam Armstrong - Chief Executive, PHLink.