Minor Ailments Service Developments
� Phase 1– Additional ailments– Re-basing of the thresholds from 1 April 2012
� Phase 2 – Consideration of additional ailments– Re-engineering of minor ailment service model
Minor Ailments ServiceAims of Service
The aim of the service is to promote self-care and to divert patients from GP practices into community divert patients from GP practices into community
pharmacies.There are three ways in which a patient can participatein the service�Self referral�Referral by a pharmacist�Referral by GP Practice
Minor Ailments ServiceConsultation Outcome
The patient may be given :� Advice only� Advice plus treatment from MAS formulary (up
to two products per patient)� Referral to the GP – non-urgent or urgent
Minor Ailments Service:Successful Implementation
�Communication�Communication• Explain the service to local GPs, Practice
Managers and GP reception staff• Inform your patients of availability of the service
�Set up SOP and revise regularly
Current Therapy Areas
• Head lice• Athlete’s foot• Athlete’s foot• Threadworms• Vaginal Thrush• Diarrhoea• Dhobie itch
Minor Ailments ServiceNew Therapy Areas
� Cold Sores
� Removal of Ear Wax
� Mouth Ulcers and Inflammation
� Oral Thrush
Minor Ailments ServiceCold Sores
Self-care – Avoid touching lesions, Wash hands, Self-care – Avoid touching lesions, Wash hands, Separate towel, Care with contact
lenses, SunblockTreatment – Aciclovir 5% cream 2g. Use five
times daily for 5-10 daysSupply only for active cold sores
Refer – Immunocompromised, Lesions for > 2 weeks, Pregnancy, Systemic Illness, Diagnosis unconfirmed
Minor Ailments ServiceOral Thrush
Self-care – Use soft toothbrush, Rinse mouth following use of Inhaled Corticosteroids,
Stop smoking, Denture hygieneTreatment – Miconazole Oral gel 2%
Apply after food either twice or four times daily according to directions (not under 4 months)
Refer – Symptoms> 3 weeks, Immunocompromised
Minor Ailments ServiceRemoval of Ear Wax
Self-care – Only remove ear wax if it causes discomfort Self-care – Only remove ear wax if it causes discomfort or hearing lossAvoid using cotton buds
Treatment - Olive oil 10mls- Sodium Bicarbonate 10mls
Use twice daily for three daysRefer – Perforated eardrum, Foreign body present, Ear
surgery
Minor Ailments ServiceMouth Ulcers and Inflammation
(1) Mouth UlcersSelf-care – Rinse with warm salt water, Use soft Self-care – Rinse with warm salt water, Use soft
toothbrush, Avoid spicy and acidic foodsTreatment -
Hydrocortisone pellets 2.5mg Use one four times dailyChlorhexidine mouthwashRinse with 10mls twice daily
Minor Ailments ServiceMouth Ulcers and Inflammation
(2) Oral Inflammation� Self-care – Brush teeth twice daily with � Self-care – Brush teeth twice daily with
powered toothbrush for two minutes, Floss at least three times weekly, Advise on Smoking cessation, Direct patient to www.nhschoices.nhs.uk for information.
� Refer – To dentist/hygienist as soon as possible to treat gingivitis. Advise patient to register with a dentist.
Action required
� Revision of SOPs� Revision of SOPs� Communication with potential referrers� Focus service delivery towards clinical
support for self care – supply only if necessary
� Ensure consultation forms and PVs are completed legibly
Phase 2 Developments
� Additional ailments under consideration
� Re-design of service model