Minor Ailments Service Developments

� Phase 1– Additional ailments– Re-basing of the thresholds from 1 April 2012

� Phase 2 – Consideration of additional ailments– Re-engineering of minor ailment service model

Minor Ailments ServiceAims of Service

The aim of the service is to promote self-care and to divert patients from GP practices into community divert patients from GP practices into community

pharmacies.There are three ways in which a patient can participatein the service�Self referral�Referral by a pharmacist�Referral by GP Practice

Minor Ailments ServiceConsultation Outcome

The patient may be given :� Advice only� Advice plus treatment from MAS formulary (up

to two products per patient)� Referral to the GP – non-urgent or urgent

Minor Ailments Service:Successful Implementation

�Communication�Communication• Explain the service to local GPs, Practice

Managers and GP reception staff• Inform your patients of availability of the service

�Set up SOP and revise regularly

Current Therapy Areas

• Head lice• Athlete’s foot• Athlete’s foot• Threadworms• Vaginal Thrush• Diarrhoea• Dhobie itch

Minor Ailments ServiceNew Therapy Areas

� Cold Sores

� Removal of Ear Wax

� Mouth Ulcers and Inflammation

� Oral Thrush

Minor Ailments ServiceCold Sores

Self-care – Avoid touching lesions, Wash hands, Self-care – Avoid touching lesions, Wash hands, Separate towel, Care with contact

lenses, SunblockTreatment – Aciclovir 5% cream 2g. Use five

times daily for 5-10 daysSupply only for active cold sores

Refer – Immunocompromised, Lesions for > 2 weeks, Pregnancy, Systemic Illness, Diagnosis unconfirmed

Minor Ailments ServiceOral Thrush

Self-care – Use soft toothbrush, Rinse mouth following use of Inhaled Corticosteroids,

Stop smoking, Denture hygieneTreatment – Miconazole Oral gel 2%

Apply after food either twice or four times daily according to directions (not under 4 months)

Refer – Symptoms> 3 weeks, Immunocompromised

Minor Ailments ServiceRemoval of Ear Wax

Self-care – Only remove ear wax if it causes discomfort Self-care – Only remove ear wax if it causes discomfort or hearing lossAvoid using cotton buds

Treatment - Olive oil 10mls- Sodium Bicarbonate 10mls

Use twice daily for three daysRefer – Perforated eardrum, Foreign body present, Ear

surgery

Minor Ailments ServiceMouth Ulcers and Inflammation

(1) Mouth UlcersSelf-care – Rinse with warm salt water, Use soft Self-care – Rinse with warm salt water, Use soft

toothbrush, Avoid spicy and acidic foodsTreatment -

Hydrocortisone pellets 2.5mg Use one four times dailyChlorhexidine mouthwashRinse with 10mls twice daily

Minor Ailments ServiceMouth Ulcers and Inflammation

(2) Oral Inflammation� Self-care – Brush teeth twice daily with � Self-care – Brush teeth twice daily with

powered toothbrush for two minutes, Floss at least three times weekly, Advise on Smoking cessation, Direct patient to www.nhschoices.nhs.uk for information.

� Refer – To dentist/hygienist as soon as possible to treat gingivitis. Advise patient to register with a dentist.

Action required

� Revision of SOPs� Revision of SOPs� Communication with potential referrers� Focus service delivery towards clinical

support for self care – supply only if necessary

� Ensure consultation forms and PVs are completed legibly

Phase 2 Developments

� Additional ailments under consideration

� Re-design of service model