Public Health Pharmacy Flashcards

A pharmacy provides supervised consumption of methadone as part of an opioid substitution therapy programme. What is the primary reason for supervised consumption?

Answer: To prevent diversion of methadone to others and reduce the risk of accidental overdose, particularly in early treatment

Supervised consumption ensures the patient takes the methadone themselves, preventing diversion to others (including children, who are at high risk of fatal overdose from even small amounts). It is most critical in the early stages of treatment when the correct dose is being established and the risk of overdose is highest.

Which of the following conditions can a pharmacist supply treatment for under the NHS Pharmacy First service in England?

Answer: Uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women aged 16-64

The NHS Pharmacy First service (launched January 2024) allows community pharmacists to assess and supply prescription-only medicines for seven common conditions via clinical pathways, including uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 16-64. Other conditions include sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, and shingles.

What is the pharmacist's role in supporting patients with substance misuse who wish to reduce alcohol consumption?

Answer: Provide brief interventions including AUDIT-C screening, advice on safe drinking limits, and referral to specialist services where appropriate

Pharmacists can deliver alcohol identification and brief advice (IBA) using validated screening tools like AUDIT-C. They can advise on UK Chief Medical Officers' low-risk drinking guidelines (14 units/week), provide motivational support, and refer to specialist alcohol services. Brief interventions in pharmacy settings have been shown to be effective.

A patient asks their pharmacist about the HPV vaccination programme in the UK. Which statement is correct?

Answer: The HPV vaccine is offered to all children aged 12-13 (Year 8) regardless of gender, to protect against HPV-related cancers

The UK HPV vaccination programme offers the vaccine to all children aged 12-13 (school Year 8), regardless of gender. Since 2019, the programme has been gender-neutral. The vaccine protects against HPV types that cause cervical cancer, other genital cancers, head and neck cancers, and genital warts.

A patient asks about the NHS community pharmacy blood pressure check service. What does this service involve?

Answer: Identification of adults aged 40+ with undiagnosed hypertension through clinic BP measurement, followed by ambulatory monitoring or referral as needed

The NHS community pharmacy blood pressure check service targets adults aged 40 and over to identify undiagnosed hypertension. It involves clinic blood pressure measurement and, where readings are elevated, the pharmacy may provide ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) or refer to the GP for further assessment and diagnosis.

Which health promotion campaign involves pharmacists advising patients to complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics and not to share them with others?

Answer: Antibiotic Guardian / European Antibiotic Awareness Week

The Antibiotic Guardian campaign and European Antibiotic Awareness Week (November) promote responsible antibiotic use. Key messages include completing prescribed courses, not sharing antibiotics, not saving leftover antibiotics, and understanding that antibiotics do not work for viral infections. Pharmacists are encouraged to become Antibiotic Guardians.