Recommendation prescriptions are a tool for GPs to use with patients who attend the surgery with self-treatable conditions which are suitable for self care.
They are particularly helpful for those who may need guidance on what treatments
are available over-the-counter now that restrictions on prescribing have been introduced
and GPs have been asked not to routinely prescribe certain items
Simple and effective
When you decide that the most appropriate action is to recommend self care, you
can issue a recommendation for a suitable OTC product. The patient can then
choose to purchase this from a pharmacy or other retailer. This method has already
been used successfully in health systems including those in Germany and Northern
Ireland. In Germany, for instance, recommendation prescriptions have been shown
In Germany,
recommendation
prescriptions have
been shown to reduce
dependence on
primary care services
to reduce dependence on primary care services since most people remember the recommendation and choose to self care
the next time they experience the same
symptoms. Recommendation prescriptions
can also play a role in social prescribing,
acting as physical reminders of the activity
prescribed, or as notes of referral to link
workers or signposting to connect people to
wider community support.
Top tips for success
Use the PAGB OTC Directory to identify suitable products to recommend
Write down the product and dose
Refer to the pictures to help patients recognise products in store
Tell patients why you’re giving them a recommendation
Remind them that pharmacists are great sources of self care advice.