So, I've got this patient #17 (balancing personalised care and high workloads)

Welcome back to "So, I've Got This Patient." Join us as experienced general practice pharmacists, Leah and David, continue their insightful discussions.

In our latest episode, we're picking up where we left off. Leah's patient scenario has opened the door to a compelling discussion about the delicate equilibrium between accommodating individual patient decisions and efficiently managing high prescription volumes.

Leah's patient had their dose adjusted, prompting her to contemplate the challenge of effective communication and coordination. As a dedicated pharmacist, she grapples with balancing the unique needs of each patient against the demands of her role, which often involves processing a large number of prescriptions. Join us as we dissect this intricate dance, examining the fine line between personalised care and operational efficiency.

It's a conversation that's not only relevant to fellow healthcare professionals but also to patients who are curious about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of their healthcare journey.

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If you have enjoyed today's episode, or any of our other podcasts, please take the time to leave us a review and a rating on the podcast provider of choice. Five stars would be greatly welcomed!

Today's episode is brought to you in association with the My Pharmacist Team App, the UK's first peer to peer support app for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and trainee pharmacists working in general practice. 

Find out more information by heading to  www.mypharmacistteam.co.uk

Or follow us on social media: Threads - @mypharmacistteam Instagram - @mypharmacistteam Tik Tok - @mypharmacistteam

So, I've got this patient #16 (patient adherence to thyroid medication)

Welcome back to "So, I've Got This Patient," the podcast where we delve into real-world patient scenarios, with our experienced general practice pharmacists, Leah and David.

In today's episode, we explore a challenging case presented by David. His patient struggles with under-replacement of her thyroxine, leading to persistent abnormal blood results, weight gain, and fatigue. David thoughtfully examines the potential influence of patient adherence to her thyroid medication. Join us as we dissect the intricate interplay between medical recommendations, patient choices, and overall health outcomes.

Now, here's where things get interesting. The discussion surrounding Leah's patient scenario proved so illuminating and extensive that we've decided to conclude the episode here. However, fear not! We'll be releasing the second half of this episode on August 22nd.

In the second instalment, Leah asks David's advice on effective patient communication within the context of a high prescription volume and evolving dose adjustments. The scenario evolved into a discussion about the delicate balance between quantity, and quality of patient care. How to ensure both the 95%, and the 5% of patients get the care they require. 

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If you have enjoyed today's episode, or any of our other podcasts, please take the time to leave us a review and a rating on the podcast provider of choice. Five stars would be greatly welcomed!

Today's episode is brought to you in association with the My Pharmacist Team App, the UK's first peer to peer support app for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and trainee pharmacists working in general practice. 

Find out more information by heading to  www.mypharmacistteam.co.uk

Or follow us on social media: Threads - @mypharmacistteam Instagram - @mypharmacistteam Tik Tok - @mypharmacistteam

So, I’ve got this patient #15 (paying for OTC items & a TSH of 124)

Welcome to "So, I've Got This Patient," the podcast where two seasoned general practice pharmacists, Leah and David, share their experiences and expertise while discussing real-world patient scenarios.

In this episode, Leah faces a critical situation with a thyroid patient whose TSH levels are alarmingly high at 124. Join her as she navigates through the challenges of managing thyroid disorders, interpreting test results, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure the best care possible for her patient.

Meanwhile, David initiates a thought-provoking discussion on the ethics of asking patients to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) items. Delve into the complexities of recommending OTC products, the impact on patients' finances, and the pharmacist's duty to prioritize patient well-being while respecting their autonomy.

Tune in to gain practical insights into thyroid management, understand the nuances of OTC recommendations, and explore the ethical considerations that shape UK pharmacy practice.

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If you have enjoyed today's episode, or any of our other podcasts, please take the time to leave us a review and a rating on the podcast provider of choice. Five stars would be greatly welcomed!

Today's episode is brought to you in association with the My Pharmacist Team App, the UK's first peer to peer support app for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and trainee pharmacists working in general practice. 

Find out more information by heading to  www.mypharmacistteam.co.uk

Or follow us on social media: Threads - @mypharmacistteam Instagram - @mypharmacistteam Tik Tok - @mypharmacistteam

We should do an episode on . . . Recording patient phone calls

On today's episode, our pharmacist panel, made up of Leah and David Foster, discuss the potentially controversial topic of recording patient phone calls. 

Join us as we explore the motivations, ethical considerations, and diverse perspectives surrounding this practice in general practice.

Did you know that most general practices are now recording patient phone calls? We start our journey by discussing this growing trend and the reasons behind its adoption.

As healthcare professionals, we often find ourselves grappling with questions about our own comfort with recorded phone calls. Listen in as our pharmacists share their personal insights, weighing the potential benefits against any reservations they may have.

But it doesn't stop there; we step into the shoes of patients too. How does this practice make them feel? We explore patient perspectives, understanding their concerns, and gauging the implications for trust and confidentiality.

Ethics hold a prominent position in our dialogue. Delve into the ethical considerations surrounding the recording of patient phone calls, as we discuss consent, autonomy, and the responsibilities of healthcare providers.

Picture this: What if there was a camera in the consultation room, capturing your entire visit? We delve into the possibilities of incorporating video recording into the mix and its potential impact on patient-clinician dynamics.

"The Pharmacist Will See You Now" offers an insightful and thought-provoking examination of "General Practices Recording Patient Phone Calls." Gain a deeper understanding of the ethical dimensions of this practice and the multifaceted perspectives of both healthcare professionals and patients alike.

Tune in for this enriching episode, as we navigate the intriguing world of healthcare communication and the implications of recording patient interactions.

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If you've enjoyed today's episode, please give us a rating and a review on the podcast platform of your choice. 

Today's episode is brought to you in association with the My Pharmacist Team App, the UK's first peer to peer support app for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and trainee pharmacists working in general practice. 

Find out more information by heading to  www.mypharmacistteam.co.uk

Or follow on social media: Twitter - @mypharmacisteam Instagram - @mypharmacistteam Tik Tok - @mypharmacistteam

So, I’ve got this patient #14 (Early prescription requests & Semaglutide injections)

Welcome to "So, I've Got This Patient," the podcast where two seasoned general practice pharmacists, Leah and David, share their experiences and expertise while discussing real-world patient scenarios.

In this episode, Leah faces a challenging situation when a patient requests out of stock semaglutide injectables. Join her as she navigates through managing patient expectations, exploring alternative solutions, and highlighting the significance of clear communication between healthcare professionals.

On the other side, David encounters a patient seeking their medication earlier than usual, sparking an engaging conversation about the problems associated with early ordering, patient wellbeing, and ensuring adherence.

Tune in to gain practical insights into patient care, learn about the adaptability required to be a pharmacist working in general practice, and understand the pivotal role pharmacists play in providing exceptional care to patients.

Whether you're a fellow healthcare professional, or a curious patient, "So, I've Got This Patient" promises to deliver valuable advice, thought-provoking discussions, and captivating anecdotes.

Join Leah and David on their journey to enhance patient outcomes and make a positive impact on general practice.

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If you have enjoyed today's episode, or any of our other podcasts, please take the time to leave us a review and a rating on the podcast provider of choice. Five stars would be greatly welcomed!

Today's episode is brought to you in association with the My Pharmacist Team App, the UK's first peer to peer support app for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and trainee pharmacists working in general practice. 

Find out more information by heading to  www.mypharmacistteam.co.uk

Or follow us on social media: Twitter - @mypharmacisteam Instagram - @mypharmacistteam Tik Tok - @mypharmacistteam

[[From the archive]] - Is the pre-reg/trainee pharmacist exam fit for purpose?

**This episode was originally released in May 2021.**

In this special archival episode, we revisit the question: Is the Pre-Reg Exam truly fit for purpose?

Join us as we discuss the strengths, limitations, and potential improvements of the current pre-registration examination system.

Hear from experienced pre-reg tutors and practicing GP pharmacists, as they share insights on the exam's alignment with real-world pharmacy practice and its role in ensuring patient safety.

Tune in as we explore the future of pharmacy education and assessment, just in time for the announcement of trainee pharmacist exam results next week.

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If you have enjoyed today's episode, or any of our other podcasts, please take the time to leave us a review and a rating on the podcast provider of choice. Five stars would be greatly welcomed!

Today's episode is brought to you in association with the My Pharmacist Team App, the UK's first peer to peer support app for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and trainee pharmacists working in general practice. 

Find out more information by heading to  www.mypharmacistteam.co.uk

Or follow us on social media: Twitter - @mypharmacisteam Instagram - @mypharmacistteam Tik Tok - @mypharmacistteam

So, I’ve got this patient #13 (loop diuretics and swollen ankles)

It's that time of the week again, as we bring you two more patient scenarios from our panel of GP pharmacists. 

Once again we're joined this week by Sue and John to discuss some real life patient scenarios. 

John has a patient with erectile dysfunction who is being prescribed Invicorp. Sue discusses a patient she's working with who is trying to lose weight, which develops into a conversation around GLP1s. 

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If you have enjoyed today's episode, or any of our other podcasts, please take the time to leave us a review and a rating on the podcast provider of choice. Five stars would be greatly welcomed!

Today's episode is brought to you in association with the My Pharmacist Team App, the UK's first peer to peer support app for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and trainee pharmacists working in general practice. 

Find out more information by heading to  www.mypharmacistteam.co.uk

Or follow us on social media: Twitter - @mypharmacisteam Instagram - @mypharmacistteam Tik Tok - @mypharmacistteam

We should do an episode on . . . Patient expectations; have they changed?

Back in May there was a story published in Management in Practice entitled:

“Police commissioner speaks to GPs about rising abuse from patients”. 

The story detailed how Leicestershire Police and crime commissioner Rupert Matthews arranged a meeting with local GPs due to concerns about rising levels of abuse at practices, hoping to find a solution.

A Freedom of Information Act request carried out by Pulse (sister to management in practice) showed that for Leicestershire Police the number of callouts associated with violent behaviour at GP practices increased by 150% over the pandemic, jumping from 10 total callouts in 2019 to 25 in 2022.

And, over the same period, the number of recorded crimes for criminal damage and public order offenses increased by 80% and 50% respectively.

This comes on the back of a practice in the area, Oakham Medical Practice, removing its in person reception last May, because they decided the level of abuse it was experiencing was so extreme, the only safe option was to temporarily remove all reception staff from the front desk.

During a previous episode where we spoke about some of the challenges faced in community pharmacy that were leading to pharmacists leaving the sector, Leah and David Foster both used a term that I thought was interesting. "Patient expectations."

In particular, the fallout if expectations are not met. This was mainly in relation to community pharmacy, but many of the same issues exist in GP, just in a different way.

I therefore felt it would be interesting to ask two pharmacists for their thoughts on patient expectations. Luckily for us, we had two available to give their thoughts on the matter. 

*****

If you've enjoyed today's episode, please give us a rating and a review on the podcast platform of your choice. 

Today's episode is brought to you in association with the My Pharmacist Team App, the UK's first peer to peer support app for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and trainee pharmacists working in general practice. 

Find out more information by heading to  www.mypharmacistteam.co.uk

Or follow on social media: Twitter - @mypharmacisteam Instagram - @mypharmacistteam Tik Tok - @mypharmacistteam