Evaluating the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Realist evaluation of the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (NHS-CPCS) for urgent, low acuity conditions: how, when, why, for whom and to extent does it work to benefit patients
IRAS ID
348419
Contact name
Ellen Schafheutle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 29 days
Research summary
With general practices under pressure, policymakers have identified community pharmacies as an alternative provider of healthcare for urgent, non-serious conditions that can be used more effectively through their better integration with primary care. Some of these conditions included eye problems ear problems, bites, constipation, skin problems and more. This service was previously known as NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (NHS-CPCS) for minor illness. Since January 2024, this service has been subsumed into as 'Pharmacy First (NHS referrals for minor illness)'.
This 18-month study aims to evaluate GP referral to community pharmacies in areas with differing levels of usage of this service to better understand what makes the service work (or not), for whom, how, when and why.
We will select up to six case study sites for in-depth exploration. Each site will comprise one general practice and up to three community pharmacies to which patients can be offered referrals. We will conduct interview with staff involved in GP referral to community pharmacies and patient survey and interviews.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0012
Date of REC Opinion
19 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion