title: The use of community pharmacies in North West England: an observational study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are few studies of community pharmacy footfall and activity in the existing literature, especially by direct observation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the characteristics of counter interactions between pharmacy staff and customers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Structured observation of all interactions between pharmacy staff and customers across the weekly opening hours of five pharmacies diverse in location and ownership.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three-quarters (76%) of observed interactions were associated with prescriptions, but a significant minority accessed cognitive services.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dispensing was the primary activity across the diverse range of pharmacies. Reasons for visits are diversifying into advice and services, particularly among younger users.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: Adam J
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0256-6759
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Mackridge
authors.affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: Elizabeth C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Stokes
authors.affiliation: Green Line Consulting Ltd, Worsley, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Nicola J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Gray
mesh_terms: D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D010067:Ownership; D010594:Pharmacies / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations
chemical_list: D055553:Prescription Drugs
keywords: access; community pharmacy; dispensing; self-care; skill mix