New research from PAGB, the consumer healthcare association and self-care leaders, has revealed two in five adults (39%) despite the intense pressure on GP services[1] have requested a GP appointment or attended accident and emergency departments (A&E) for minor health issues including colds, a blocked nose, insect bites and stings or headaches.[2]
The eye-opening survey, which asked consumers about 40 conditions that can be treated at home or with over-the-counter (OTC) products, discovered that there was not one single ailment listed where some consumers had not sought advice from a GP.
In fact, the new research identifies problems with our health system and consumer awareness and confidence around self-care, as more than half (53%) the patients who secure an appointment with their doctor are then told to use an over-the-counter medicine.
Pharmacist, Mark Burdon and advisor to PAGB says: “For something like a suspected urinary tract infection or erectile dysfunction (ED), it may be that consumers are not aware that a pharmacist can provide advice and relevant medicines such as ED therapies.
“Given how rapidly the role of community pharmacy is expanding, and the growing number of medicines which are being switched from prescription only to over-the-counter sale, with supervision by a pharmacist, it’s understandable that there may be some gaps in awareness.
“But the fact that people are still seeking GP appointments for colds, headaches and even cold sores shows we have to keep hammering home the message that self-care is the ultimate win-win.
“For consumers, it is much quicker and easier to get advice from a community pharmacist, or the NHS via the website, app or 111 telephone line than it is to chase their GP surgery for an appointment. This frees appointments for patients with the greatest need and ensures much better use of NHS resources.”
PAGB’s CEO, Michelle Riddalls notes further: “We are facing an unprecedented challenge in primary care, with fewer and fewer GPs struggling to treat more and more patients. This will continue to get worse as more doctors reach retirement, or burn out, and demand continues to rise as a result of our ageing population.
In fact, of those survey respondents who said they attempted to get a GP appointment, 30% said it was difficult as there were no appointments for several days and one in 20 reported they couldn’t even get through to their surgery, which further clarifies just how much pressure the NHS is currently under.
Plus, these unnecessary appointments place a huge financial burden on our NHS. A GP consultation is estimated to cost the NHS £42, while the cost of a trip to A&E starts at £86.[3]
Michelle Riddalls adds: “Booking a GP appointment, rather than opting for self-care, or asking a pharmacist for advice simply prolongs the time patients are having to put up with symptoms and increases pressure on the NHS.”
Mark Burdon notes further: “Consumers may not realise that GPs are now advised against prescribing antibiotics for self-limiting infections such as colds, sore throat and ear-ache.[4] It’s important that we improve awareness and signpost the resources that will give more consumers the confidence to recognise when self-care is appropriate and when more specialist care might be needed.”
Taking action
In a bid to lessen the hefty burden on the NHS, it’s important to educate consumers on other options they have in treating their ailments.
Michelle Riddalls says: “ We need action from the Government to ensure consumers have the confidence in self-care and are willing to use community pharmacists and NHS portals as their initial go-to when they need extra support or advice.”
The PAGB survey found that four in five (83%) Brits say we need more education to encourage consumers to take a more proactive approach.
Plus, education on the conditions themselves is also vital. GP and advisor to PAGB, Dr Binita Kalaria notes that 11% of Brits requested a GP appointment for warts or verrucas whereas a smaller 10% requested an appointment for constipation.
She says: “This is a good example of the need for better education around self-care, so that people know which conditions they can easily care for themselves, and which ones might need further investigation if they persist, or there are other red flag symptoms which might suggest a more serious problem.
“Warts and verrucas are unsightly, but they are harmless and often go away of their own accord or with one of the many OTC treatments available. Prolonged constipation however can be a sign of a poor diet, lack of hydration, immobility and other issues which need to be addressed.”
Education on local pharmacies is also needed as they are well equipped to offer advice on at-home care, as well as guidance on OTC treatments.
First stop: Pharmacy focus
Prior to booking an appointment with a GP or visiting A&E, it’s worth visiting your local pharmacy. Currently, PAGB’s real world data shows that only three in five consumers are using their local pharmacist as a first step in seeking advice or medicines for self-treatable conditions.
“Community pharmacists are an often-under-utilised source of health information. Pharmacists are highly trained experts who are able to provide a growing number of medicines which were once prescription only (POM) but have been switched to pharmacy medicines (P),” says Mark Burdon.
In fact, the painkiller ibuprofen, indigestion medicine Nexium and thrush treatment Canesten were once prescription only.
Searching for answers online can also be helpful. According to the PAGB research, two in three people (61%) have used the internet to research their symptoms. But, as Michelle Riddalls explains, it’s essential to know which online resources are trustworthy.
“The NHS website is a reliable source yet the PAGB survey has found that a third of Brits haven’t gone to the NHS website. There is a lot of misinformation online but turning to a trusted resource such as the NHS will ensure consumers are given the best, most up to date information,” says Michelle Riddalls.
In summary, Michelle Riddalls says: “If Brits can become more confident on self-care and increase their use of OTC healthcare solutions rather than relying on their GP and A&E, then this will deliver huge savings and ensure that NHS resources are focused where they are most needed.
“We need to do all we can to support and protect the NHS, especially as winter fast approaches.”