|  Minor ailments schemes are likely to be a major feature of the new
pharmacy contracts in all four UK jurisdictions. This will require the
modern
community pharmacist’s skill mix to include an enhanced ability
to respond to symptoms. Pharmacists should be able to identify and treat
common ailments effectively and to distinguish them from more serious
conditions that need referral.
Paul Rutter’s timely book provides a well structured guide to making
differential diagnoses of symptoms commonly presented by clients in community
pharmacies. The comprehensive text is easy to read and there are many
excellent illustrations. Prescribing advice is also provided, with the
aid of charts listing appropriate doses and potential adverse reactions
and interactions. None of the material in the book is directly referenced
but there is plenty of suggested further reading. Self assessment questions
and case studies assist in the learning process.
The 10 chapters cover a mixture of body systems (central nervous system,
respiratory system), particular organs (dermatology, gastroenterology,
musculoskeletal conditions, ophthalmology and otic conditions) and populations
(paediatrics and women’s health). A final chapter entitled “Specific
product requests” covers emergency hormonal contraception, malaria
prophylaxis and motion sickness. I “test-drove” the book
in my pharmacy for a month and once I had sorted out the chapter content
(for example dermatitis appears under dermatology while atopic dermatitis
appears under paediatrics) it proved to be a valuable addition to my
bookshelf. All community pharmacists — whatever their experience — will
find this book an excellent continuing professional development resource.
I recommend it.
Steven Kayne
|
The
Pharmaceutical Journal