Community pharmacy health promotion activity in England: a survey of policy and practice

Abstract

A telephone survey of pharmaceutical advisers in English Family Health Services Authorities (FHSAs) examined the extent of, and influences on, the development of health promotion activities based in community pharmacies. A variety of activities were found to be taking place. The largest barrier was reported to be financial. The time the adviser had for community pharmacy, and the relationship of the FHSA with the local health promotion department and the local pharmaceutical committee, also had a bearing. Forty respondents (51 per cent) reported that they had been influenced by the Barnet FHSA High Street Health Scheme, and 65 (84 per cent) had heard of it. FHSAs could consider the features of successful schemes and create an appropriate climate for development.