Identification of patients attending accident and emergency who may be suitable for treatment by a pharmacist.
BACKGROUND
Several studies have demonstrated that 25-40% of Accident & Emergency department attendances are for conditions that could be managed by the patient's general practitioner. The number of these who could be appropriately managed by a community pharmacist, has not previously been established.


OBJECTIVE
To establish the frequency with which patients attend an inner city A&E department with problems that could be managed by a community pharmacist.


METHODS
A cross-sectional, retrospective review of A&E records for adult patients (>16 years) was conducted during the first two weeks of March 1999. Application of recognised criteria identified patients whose conditions were suitable for treatment by a pharmacist. Associated patient characteristics were investigated.


RESULTS
During the study period 2636 adult patients attended the A&E department. Pharmacist management was considered appropriate in 8% of adult attendances (95% CI 6.8-8.9). The most commonly presented symptoms considered appropriate for pharmacist treatment included those of upper respiratory, gastrointestinal and pain conditions and reflect those previously identified in the literature.


CONCLUSIONS
A pharmacist could manage an estimated 8% of adult attendances at this A&E department. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of the general public of the role of a community pharmacist to reduce demand on A&E and GP services.
Bednall
Ruth
R
Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Trust, London, UK.
McRobbie
Duncan
D
Duncan
John
J
Williams
David
D
D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006300:Health Services Misuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006786:Hospitals, Urban / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010594:Pharmacies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011320:Primary Health Care