An exciting societal shift is taking place in relation to how we look after our health and well-being. Increasingly, we have people coming into our pharmacies to seek advice about minor ailments and treatment options from our healthcare experts. This year saw the launch of the #SelfCare initiative organised by the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA). The event was held in light of new research that demonstrates consumers are increasingly willing to take charge of their health, leading to a more effective and efficient healthcare system. This initiative sets out a range of proposals for a more focused approach to self care which could lead to better patient outcomes and considerable savings for the State as turning to pharmacists for medical advice could help to reduce waiting lists at GPs and hospitals.

Research demonstrated by yesterday’s publication, which is based on research from Behaviour & Attitudes, illustrates that there is a clear desire from the majority of Irish people (92%) to be involved in their own self care. Furthermore, the IPU recognises that the role of community pharmacists is pivotal to the successful development of self care and its more widespread adoption.

  “Embracing a philosophy of self care can lead to real, measurable savings in healthcare expenses and better outcomes for patients. Pharmacists can play a critical, expanded role in this area, utilising our accessibility and professional capabilities to benefit patients in partnership with our healthcare colleagues and the pharmaceutical industry.”

-Daragh Connolly, Haven Pharmacist and President of the Irish Pharmacy Union

  

-Source: PSI Public Survey – Attitudes to Pharmacy in Ireland

“As well as the obvious benefits for individuals in taking a greater role in maintaining healthy lives, adoption of self-care principles could also help the State manage the financial challenges of an ageing population and strained healthcare budgets. The Government is clearly committed to encouraging people to take more control of their own health, as set out in the Healthy Ireland strategy. Our industry is committed to working with healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists who are often the first port of call for health information and advice, to support consumers to identify the most appropriate channel within the healthcare system.”

-Dave Barrett, Chairman of IPHA Consumer Healthcare Division

Where to Start

The healthy Ireland strategy is a major Government-led programme which aims to encourage and support everyone living in Ireland to have the best possible physical and mental health and wellbeing. The information will be a good foundation for people looking to self care. Furthermore, discussing your health with your local pharmacist, and building trust with them to offer expert advice for you and your loved ones, will put you on the right track to making self care a common aspect of your life.

Ask Your Pharmacist First

The purpose of this information and indeed this initiative, is to emphasise the changing nature of your local pharmacy. With continued hard work, pharmacies hope to be able to expand on their provision of treatments for minor ailments within local Irish communities. Self care is a preventative method of looking after your health – while you have it, so that you can avoid illness/disease later in life. Expert advice is available in all Haven Pharmacies across Ireland. Our pharmacists will take the time to listen and offer advice on how you and your family can self care.

 For further information:

Call into your local Haven Pharmacy to discuss self care and the role of the pharmacist for you and your family. Our pharmacists will provide great-quality, trustworthy information so patients can seek care at the appropriate level and enhance their independence within the healthcare system.

A full copy of Self Care – taking charge of your health can be downloaded from www.ipu.ie and www.ipha.ie.

For further information contact:

Jim Curran, Director of Communications & Strategy, IPU, on 01 493 6401/086 264 0469

OR

Philip Hannon, Communications & Public Affairs Manager, IPHA, on 01 663 0933/087 287 0891

Case Study: Swedish ‘Flu’ Map

The meeting heard about a unique Swedish IT-based self-care initiative that reaches 70% of the Sweedish population, which builds a ‘flu’ map and encourages patients to visit pharmacies for prevention and treatment. Jonas Vikman of LIF, the Swedish pharmaceutical trade association, on a unique predictive health campaign they ran with the retail pharmacy association in Sweden. Treat yourself with advice from your pharmacist analysed real-time data to track where people were accessing online information on colds and flu. From this, they built a ‘flu’ map of Sweden, which was constantly updated and was used to target online advertising on the benefits of visiting a pharmacy. It is estimated that the campaign reached 70% of the Swedish population. It also promoted a valuable public health issue by conveying the message that antibiotics were ineffective in tacking colds and flu.