Any concerns commissioners may have about the ability of community pharmacies to make a difference with patients is being addressed.

A study conducted by the Community Pharmacy Future group (a collaboration between community pharmacy companies and independents) looked at how successful introducing a person-centred service for patients with multiple long-term conditions might be.18

Over three months, 50 pharmacies enrolled 683 patients over the age of 50 prescribed more than one medicine including at least one for cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Prior to meeting the patient, a pharmacist conducted a medication review of the patient's medication record using NICE guidance.

During the consultation, the patient's cardiovascular risk using the QRisk2 (2016) instrument was assessed. The patient was then asked to identify at least one goal to improve their condition. €The pharmacist supported patients to create their own personalised health goals and then agreed actions with the patient and plans for follow up and monitoring, including the use of validated tools to support the process.

The researchers noted the large number of patients recruited in a relatively short time. €Patients were willing to identify goals with the pharmacist, the majority of which, if met, may result in improvements in quality of life,€ they concluded.