The “My Prevention check” system, introduced in 2024, has revolutionized the way individuals approach their health. This innovative programme allows trained pharmacists to conduct extensive health checks, offering a convenient alternative to traditional medical visits. Though, the implementation of this system has not been without its challenges, including issues related to time, dedicated space, and fair remuneration for pharmacists.
As the Covid-19 health crisis, the role of pharmacists has undergone significant conversion. Their responsibilities have expanded to include new tasks aimed at alleviating the burden on medical practices. Among these new responsibilities is the provision of free health check-ups for individuals aged 18 to 75. Marie Bosredon, a pharmacist in Amiens, emphasizes the importance of this service: “I think itS vital for peopel who don’t go to the doctor frequently enough, who we can try to target. It’s not always easy because they don’t always have the time, but it can help a part of the population who, perhaps, neglect themselves without really knowing it.”
The “My Prevention Check” system is designed to reach those who might otherwise overlook their health. By offering these check-ups in pharmacies, the program aims to make preventive care more accessible. However,pharmacists face practical challenges in delivering this service. The need for dedicated space within pharmacies and the time required to conduct thorough check-ups are significant hurdles. Additionally, ensuring that pharmacists are adequately compensated for their expanded roles remains a critical issue.
Despite these challenges, the program represents a significant step forward in preventive healthcare. By leveraging the expertise of pharmacists, the “My Prevention Check” system has the potential to improve health outcomes for a broad segment of the population. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of pharmacists will likely become even more integral to the delivery of preventive care.
Key Points of the “My Prevention Check” System
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Target Age Group | 18-75 years |
| Service Provider | Trained pharmacists |
| Cost | Free |
| Challenges | time, dedicated space, remuneration |
| objective | Improve access to preventive healthcare |
The “My Prevention Check” system is a testament to the evolving role of pharmacists in the healthcare system. By addressing the challenges and continuing to refine the program, it has the potential to make a lasting impact on public health. For more information on similar health check services, you can explore the NHS health check services or learn about health checks offered by Pharmacy 777. Additionally, the NHS Health Check programme provides further insights into the integration of such services in community pharmacy settings.
Pharmacists Expand Roles to Address Healthcare Gaps, But call for Better Pay
Pharmacies across France are evolving beyond their traditional roles, stepping up to provide essential health services that alleviate pressure on general practitioners. From vaccination checks to dietary consultations, pharmacists are now offering comprehensive health assessments, notably targeting young adults and the elderly.
mathilde Hiesse, a pharmacist, emphasizes the importance of these initiatives, especially for young people aged 18-25. “Such an initiative allows them to see if vaccination is up to date and sometimes to talk about addiction,” she explains. “A subject that they don’t necessarily bring up to their doctor as they go there for a cold or something like that, so he treats the pathology first.”
For the elderly, pharmacists are taking the time to “decipher” their eating habits, which can lead to conditions like high cholesterol or diabetes. “Everything related to health and diet can be covered in this assessment,” Hiesse adds.
These expanded roles are helping to reduce congestion in general practitioners’ offices. Pharmacists are now equipped to “continue things that have been started in the office,” especially as “people come in wiht more questions.”
Though, these new responsibilities come with challenges. Jean-Paul Landrieu, another pharmacist, notes, ”It takes us quite a bit of time, we need additional equipment and availability.”
To meet these demands, pharmacists already in practice must undergo additional training, unlike the new generation who are automatically trained as part of their university curriculum.For instance, training has been required for services like cystitis TROD (rapid diagnostic orientation test), angina TROD, and administering Covid and flu vaccinations.
Despite their expanded roles, pharmacists are calling for better compensation. Currently, they are paid €7.90 per vaccine, a rate that Hiesse describes as “not very expensive to pay.” She adds, “We expect better, our unions are fighting to be better paid because it is an investment that we are making.”
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Target Groups | Young adults (18-25) and the elderly |
| Services Offered | Vaccination checks, addiction discussions, dietary consultations |
| Training Requirements | Additional training for existing pharmacists; automatic for new graduates |
| Current Pay for Vaccines | €7.90 per vaccine |
| Challenges | Time, equipment, and availability constraints |
Pharmacies are transforming into vital healthcare hubs, bridging gaps in the system and providing accessible services. However, as their roles expand, so does the need for fair compensation and adequate resources to sustain these efforts.
For more insights into how pharmacies are adapting to modern healthcare needs, explore this detailed report.
what are your thoughts on the evolving role of pharmacists? Share your opinions in the comments below!Pharmacies across the country are stepping up to meet evolving healthcare demands by creating dedicated spaces for consultations and health check-ups. This shift, while beneficial for customers, comes with significant challenges for pharmacy owners.
Jean-Paul Landrieu, a pharmacist, highlights the complexities involved: “It takes us quite a bit of time, we need additional equipment and availability.” Beyond the logistical hurdles, the financial investment is significant. As Landrieu puts it,“it’s a certain investment with several 0s behind the 1.”
This transformation is not just about adding a consultation room. Pharmacies must invest in training staff, acquiring new equipment, and ensuring they have the capacity to handle these expanded services. While this is a positive advancement for customers seeking more accessible healthcare options, it raises questions about the sustainability for smaller pharmacies.
Key Challenges and Considerations
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| financial Investment | Significant costs for equipment and space modifications. |
| Time Commitment | Additional hours required for training and consultations. |
| Resource Availability| Ensuring staff and equipment are available to meet increased demand. |
The move towards offering health check-ups in pharmacies reflects a broader trend in healthcare accessibility. However, not all pharmacies can afford to make these changes. Smaller establishments, in particular, may struggle to balance the costs with the benefits.
For customers,this evolution means more convenience and quicker access to essential health services. For pharmacists, it’s a balancing act of meeting new demands while managing resources effectively.
As the healthcare landscape continues to shift, pharmacies are proving to be vital players in bridging gaps in care. But the question remains: how can smaller pharmacies adapt without compromising their financial stability?
What are your thoughts on this transformation? Share your perspective in the comments below.
