Pharmacy type
Community
Pharmacy context
COVID-19
Relevant standards
- 4.2 - Pharmacy services are managed and delivered safely and effectively
Why this is notable practice
The pharmacy has its own smartphone application (App). People normally use the App to regularly order prescriptions. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic the pharmacy is using the App more to send both individual and group messages to people.
How the pharmacy did this
The pharmacy had recognised the need to be able to communicate and send updates to people remotely through the App. The pharmacy used the App to send individual messages to people. This kept people informed about the status of their prescription and reduced the need for unnecessary trips to the pharmacy. It also used the App to send out group messages. For example, everybody who had downloaded the App had been sent a message about the need to contact NHS 111 online services if they displayed symptoms of the virus. Increased use of the App meant a reduction in the number of phone calls the pharmacy received. This meant pharmacy team members could work more effectively. And there was less chance of a mistake being made due to the reduced number of interruptions during the dispensing process.
What difference this made to patients
Use of the App effectively reduces non-essential footfall into the pharmacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. And it helps people who are self-isolating to access pharmacy services.
Highlighted standards
We have identified the standards most likely and least likely to be met in inspections, and highlighted examples of notable practice for each of these standards; to help everyone learn from others and to support continuous improvement: