According to the NHS survey, 49.7 per cent patients contacted a pharmacy via phone, practice websites (47.9 per cent), and the NHS App (44.8 per cent) highlighting vital role of pharmacies in healthcare delivery
The latest GP Patient Survey 2024 by the National Health Services (NHS) involving 2.56 million patients has revealed encouraging insights into patient experiences with pharmacy services across England.
Along with pharmacies, GPs, and dentistry services were also surveyed highlighting the vital role these services provide in healthcare delivery.
Among the key findings, 89.3 per cent of respondents reported utilising at least one pharmacy service in the past year, highlighting the widespread reliance on these facilities.
Of those who used pharmacy services, an overwhelming majority of 86.8 per cent expressed satisfaction with their experience.
The survey identified 'picking up prescriptions' as the most commonly accessed service, with 75.8 per cent of patients utilising this facility.
Additionally, pharmacies served as crucial points for medication purchase (44.6 per cent ) and health advice (20.9 per cent), demonstrating their multifaceted role in supporting public health beyond dispensing prescriptions.
The survey's shift to an 'online first' approach aimed at improving response rates also yielded insights into patient access methods.
Despite advancements in digital access, the findings revealed varied ease levels among patients contacting pharmacies via phone (49.7 per cent), practice websites (47.9 per cent), and the NHS App (44.8 per cent).
Regarding appointment scheduling, patients indicated a preference for face-to-face consultations (64.0 per cent ), highlighting the enduring importance of personal interaction in healthcare delivery.
Notably, 89.9 per cent of patients felt their needs were adequately met during their last pharmacy visit, emphasising the integral role of pharmacists in patient-centered care.
Respondents also provided feedback on waiting times for pharmacy services, with 50.2 per cent feeling that the wait for care or advice was appropriate, while 49.8 per cent perceived it as too long, indicating areas for potential service improvement.
