The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 274 No 7347 p509
30 April 2005

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Pharmaceutical care model schemes set to underpin changes in practice

New pharmaceutical care model schemes covering asthma and epilepsy announced for Scotland

Two new pharmaceutical care model schemes (PCMS) are to be introduced in Scotland for asthma and epilepsy.

The Scottish Executive Health Department said this week that £250,000 will be divided between Scotland’s 15 health boards for the new PCMS in 2005–06, on top of £1m which will fund the existing schemes for the frail elderly, mental health and palliative care. This money is in addition to the transitional funding arrangements for the community pharmacy contract. Pharmacists will be paid £250 for completing 10 assessments in asthma and epilepsy.

NHS Education Scotland (NES) is co-ordinating the introduction of the new schemes and pharmacies will receive an implementation pack in June or July. NES has already run training evenings on asthma and epilepsy in preparation, and will be launching self-directed learning packages on these topics shortly.

Annamarie McGregor, PCMS director, said that sign up and implementation of the existing schemes had greatly increased over the past year. “All contractors will be able to take part in the epilepsy and asthma PCMS. If they have attended the NES training nights they can start when they receive the implementation pack or, if they were unable to attend, they can request the NES training support pack,” she explained. Ms McGregor added that NHS boards are also focusing on rolling out medication reviews within the frail elderly PCMS. She also said that PCMS for diabetes, hypertension and angina/myocardial infarction will be developed this year.

Frank Owens, chairman of the Scottish Pharmaceutical General Council, said that he is delighted to have secured the funding. “These latest schemes provide an opportunity for community pharmacy to showcase the pharmaceutical contribution to the management of chronic disease,” he commented.