GPhC Public Health Pharmacy

Question 1

Under the NHS community pharmacy contractual framework in England, which public health service involves pharmacies providing advice and supplying nicotine replacement therapy without a prescription?

Accepted Answer

NHS Stop Smoking Service

Answer

The NHS Stop Smoking Service is a public health service commissioned through community pharmacies. Pharmacists can provide behavioural support and supply NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) products through a PGD or locally commissioned service without requiring a prescription. This is one of the key public health roles of community pharmacy.

Question 2

A community pharmacist is providing the NHS seasonal influenza vaccination service. Which of the following patient groups is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination?

Accepted Answer

Adults aged 65 and over

Answer

Adults aged 65 and over are routinely eligible for free NHS flu vaccination. Other eligible groups include those with chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease), pregnant women, carers, and frontline health/social care workers. Pharmacists can administer the vaccine under a national PGD or NHS service specification.

Question 3

A young woman requests emergency hormonal contraception (EHC). She reports unprotected intercourse 48 hours ago. Which option should the pharmacist recommend as the most effective oral EHC at this time point?

Accepted Answer

Ulipristal acetate 30mg (effective up to 120 hours)

Answer

While both levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate are licensed for emergency contraception, ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) maintains its efficacy better over time and is considered more effective than levonorgestrel between 24-120 hours after unprotected intercourse. At 48 hours, ulipristal is the preferred oral option. A copper IUD would be even more effective if available.

Question 4

What is the pharmacist's role in needle and syringe exchange programmes (NSP) as part of harm reduction for injecting drug users?

Accepted Answer

Provide clean needles/syringes, sharps bins, and advice on safer injecting practices to reduce blood-borne virus transmission

Answer

Needle and syringe programmes are evidence-based harm reduction interventions that significantly reduce transmission of blood-borne viruses (HIV, hepatitis B and C) among injecting drug users. Community pharmacies provide clean equipment, sharps disposal, and health advice without requiring engagement in treatment as a precondition.

Question 5

A pharmacy is commissioned to provide NHS Health Checks. Which age group is the target population for this cardiovascular disease risk assessment programme?

Accepted Answer

Adults aged 40-74 without pre-existing cardiovascular disease

Answer

NHS Health Checks target adults aged 40-74 who do not already have a diagnosed cardiovascular condition (heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease). The check assesses cardiovascular risk through measurements including blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and lifestyle factors, with the aim of early intervention.

GPhC Registration Practice Test

GPhC Registration Practice Test

GPhC Public Health Pharmacy