Pills, Chills and Pharmacy Skills - Survey

1. Introduction

Pharmacy First is an NHS service that allows people to receive clinical advice and where appropriate - treatment for 7 common health conditions directly from local community pharmacy without need to contact to GP first.
This programme aims to make accessing care quicker and more convenient, while helping GP practices focus on patients with more complex needs.

Healthwatch West Berkshire is running this survey to understand how much our community knows about Pharmacy First, how people feel about using it and what experiences local residents have had so far.
Your feedback will help us identify what is working well, where there may be barriers and what information or improvements could help make the service more effective for everyone.

Whether you have used Pharmacy First, heard about it but never tried it, or are learning about it for the first time today - your views matter!

The survey should take only a few minutes to complete and your responses will remain anonymous.

Thank you for taking part and helping us strengthen local health services in West Berkshire.

 

1. What is your age?

Please tick the one below: *

 

2. What is the first part of your postcode? e.g, RG14 *

 

3. What is your gender identity? *

 

4. What is your ethnic group? *

 

5. Do you have any specific physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or sensory

impairment? Please, tell us more *

 

6. How did you hear about this survey? *

 

7. Which pharmacy do you use and where is it? *

 

8. Are the opening hours for the pharmacy you use convenient for you? *

 

9. How satisfied are you with waiting times at your pharmacy? *

 

10. If you have used the private area for a consultation - how satisfied were you with the privacy?  *

 

11. How helpful are pharmacy staff when you ask questions about medicines? *

 

12. Have you recently(within the last 3 months), had to wait in a queue outside the pharmacy and found it difficult due to weather, your age, disability, or other reasons? *

 

13. Would having extended pharmacy services (e.g., more vaccinations, minor illness checks, blood pressure checks) make it easier for you to manage your health? *

 

14. Did you know that pharmacists can now treat 7 conditions such as: shingles, impetigo, infected insect bite, sore throat, sinusitis, acute otitis media (middle earache) and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, under the Pharmacy First programme? (you may be prescribed medication (antibiotics), for these from the pharmacy)  *

 

15. Have you ever used the Pharmacy to obtain treatment for minor illnesses? cuts, grazes, coughs, colds, sore throats, etc. (over the counter medication) *

 

16. How often do you visit a pharmacy for healthcare advice instead of going to a GP? *

 

17. What are the biggest challenges you face when trying to access your pharmacy? (Select all that apply) *

 

18. Did you know that pharmacies offer the following contraceptive services? (without a GP prescription) *

YesNoNot applicable
Daily contraception -  The Pill
Emergency contraception - ' The Morning After Pill'
 

19. Have you ever avoided seeking a pharmacy consultation because of accessibility issues? (e.g., lack of transport, lack of information) *

 

20. If you had one of the Pharmacy First 7 conditions, (e.g., sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, or severe sore throat, acute otitis media (with children), infected insect bites, impetigo and uncomplicated UTI), OR a minor illness , such as cuts, grazes, constipation, pain, vomiting, diarrhoea etc, which would you prefer to visit first? Why? (Select all that apply) *

 

21. Have you ever gone to a GP for a condition, such as: sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, or severe sore throat, acute otitis media (with children), infected insect bites, impetigo and uncomplicated UTI that could have been treated by a pharmacist? *

 

22. Which of the eligible conditions did you use Pharmacy First for? (You can tick more than one) *

 

23. If you had a consultation within the consultation room,  did the pharmacist?: *

YesNoNot applicable
Explain things clearly
Ask about your symptoms and medical history
Give you advice about self-care
Suggest a referral to your GP
Supply medicines (if needed)
Give you information on when to seek further help
Not applicable
 

24. What would encourage you to use pharmacies for Minor Illnesses instead of GPs? (Select all that apply) *

 

25. Online pharmacies: *

YesNoNot sure (I would like to know more about it first)
Do you know that you can use an online pharmacy? (to have medicines deliver to your house)
Have you ever used online pharmacy?
Would you use online pharmacy in the future?
 

26. Do you use the NHS App, or similar prescription application, to order your medication?

 

27. What changes would you like to see in your local pharmacy to better support you and your community? (Select all that apply, please tell us why you have made these choices in the comment box) *