Cost effectiveness of community pharmacy minor ailment schemes

Abstract

This prospective study was undertaken across 5 primary care organisations in northern England in two clusters. Each cluster operated a minor ailment scheme across all community pharmacies. Patients attending were asked 'How did you hear about this minor ailment scheme?' and 'If the scheme were not available, what would you have done?' 1044 patients attended with a minor ailment over a 1-month period across the two clusters. Results showed that patients had become aware of the scheme from their own pharmacy (45.3%), friends or family (24.5%) or the GP practice (10.5%). If the scheme had not existed, most patients would have gone to the GP (46.8%) or bought medicines themselves (44.8%). The scheme cost GBP 4100 for these patients and is estimated to have saved GBP 14,602 over 1 month.