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 is using mobile telephones to facilitate private consultations for emergency hormonal contraception (EHC).
How the pharmacy did this
The pharmacy had identified a risk associated with speaking in close proximity to people in its private consultation room during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help manage confidentiality and to ensure people received an appropriate consultation the pharmacist had adapted their counselling process. If someone came into the pharmacy asking for EHC, they would be asked to use their mobile telephone in a quiet space, to have a consultation with the pharmacist. The person would then return to the pharmacy to collect and pay for any supply made.
What difference this made to patients
The new way of working means people can still receive confidential advice and information without the need to enter the consultation room, where social distancing might be a problem.
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: