Kelly White, Rachel James and Zoe Kennerley
Hywel Dda University Health Board
Watch Kelly talk about her project.
The Project:
A community pharmacy based UTI (Urinary Tract Infections) testing & treatment service which would support medical practices, NHS 111, GP Out of Hours (OOH) and potentially MIU units with presentations of patients that have uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections, by offering a means of referral to participating pharmacies.
This service is currently not available as an enhanced service in Wales. There are private services available which are paid for by the patient which can be costly and not always convenient as there are only a very small number of pharmacies who offer the service.
Project Aims and Objectives:
- To ensure that patients have access to timely, consistent and appropriate management of Uncomplicated Lower UTI in non -pregnant female patients aged 16 to 64 years.
- To re-enforce the Pharmacy First messaging and to encourage self-care & educate patients on prevention of UTI as well as demonstrate antimicrobial stewardship.
- To be the first point of contact for all non-pregnant females aged 16 to 64 years presenting with symptoms of Lower UTI, providing an alternative pathway
- To utilise the skills and knowledge of Community Pharmacists and support the model of prudent healthcare.
- To allow for greater integration of Community Pharmacies into the primary care network.
Project Outcomes:
Up to the end of August 2022:
- 1,152 patients accessed the service which demonstrates significant savings with regards to appointments and related costs in other settings.
- Based on patient survey results, 71% stated that they would have attended a GP practice had they not had access to the UTI PGD service, this would suggest a projected cost saving within GMS alone of £31,902 over an 11-month period.
- 71% have been treated with an antibiotic.
- 160 pharmacists were trained to provide the service.
- 70 (71%) pharmacies are now offering the service in HDUHB.
Project Impact:
- Community Pharmacists have developed new clinical and diagnostic skills.
- There is now an alternative referral pathway for the management of lower UTI in eligible patients.
- Patient education around the ‘Choose well’ message and promotion of self-care and prevention of UTI.
Feedback:
- 100% of patients who provided feedback agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the service.
- 98% of patients said that they would visit the pharmacy next time they have UTI symptoms.
- Comments received included:
