Shared Decision Making Support Tools for patients
Decision support tools, also called patient decision aids, support shared decision making by making treatment, care and support options explicit. They provide evidence-based information about the associated benefits/harms and help patients to consider what matters most to them in relation to the possible outcomes, including doing nothing.
These decision support tools are designed to support shared decision making between people and a clinician. People may find they are useful before, during or between consultations depending on their care pathway
Each decision support tool has been developed with input throughout the process from healthcare professionals, patients and the public, and presents the numbers in as clear a way as possible to help people make their own decisions about whether to choose treatments or not.
Pharmacy First
Think Pharmacy First
Going to your local pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get clinical advice on minor health concerns.
Most pharmacies in England are now providing the Pharmacy First service. This free NHS service allows you or your child to get quick access to healthcare advice for the following seven conditions:
- Earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- Sore throats (aged 5 years and over)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)
As part of Pharmacy First patients do not need to see their GP or need a prescription from the practice for these conditions.
Community pharmacy teams are highly-skilled, qualified health professionals who have the right clinical training to give people the health advice they need. Patients don't need an appointment and private consultation rooms are available. Pharmacy teams can also signpost to other relevant local services where necessary.
By expanding the services community pharmacies offer through Pharmacy First, the NHS is aiming to free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care.
Don't wait for minor health concerns to get worse – think pharmacy first and get seen by your local pharmacy team.
For more information visit
www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/pharmacy
nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst
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