Community pharmacists are "missing out on a golden opportunity" to extend their professional services role, according to AAH Pharmaceuticals Ltd. A survey of 100 members of its Vantage symbol group revealed that many wanted to expand their role but few had done so.
Dr Mandeep Mudhar (professional services manager, AAH) said on May 26 that the results of the survey were encouraging. Seventy-six per cent of the pharmacists questioned had expressed a desire to expand their professional services role. However, only 17 per cent were providing lifestyle risk assessment tests for customers at present, with a further 44 per cent considering or planning the provision of such tests in future. Cholesterol tests and blood pressure monitoring were reported to be the most popular with all age groups of customers. Professional services were thought to be an important part of the future of community pharmacy, but pharmacists were concerned about funding for providing them. Most pharmacists (78 per cent) thought that the Government should provide the money. Respondents were also unhappy with the current remuneration system, with 69 per cent saying that they were underselling their services because of it.
Many pharmacists were giving advice, presentations or seminars to other health care professionals, but only 10 per cent of those doing so were receiving any payment. Involvement with primary care groups was patchy with 68 per cent having no formal meetings. However, those who were attending regular meetings reported that other PCG members reacted well to their presence and appreciated the advice and support that they gave.

Cholesterol tests and blood pressure monitoring were most popular with customers of all ages