The professional body for pharmacists has called for its members to rethink how they deliver services, with a particular focus on accessibility and cultural improvement, so they are better placed to tackle widening health inequalities.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) says pharmacy ‘must think differently’ to ensure the whole population can benefit from accessible pharmaceutical care.

In a position paper just published, the RPS says that pharmacy services – whether in the community, primary care, hospital and other specialist services – do not currently reach everyone, which is exacerbating health inequalities.

The RPS says its members should work to break down structural barriers and improve pharmacy’s culture in order to reach and engage with underserved groups.

Working more closely with third sector organisations to identify ‘missing’ populations, tackling unconscious bias and improving communication with patients are suggested as positive starting points for teams intent on making positive change.

Andrew Carruthers, Chair of the RPS Scottish Pharmacy Board, says it’s more important than ever that pharmacists focus their efforts on tackling health inequalities:

“Tackling health inequalities is such an important topic right now because of the increasing cost of living. This paper aims to stimulate pharmacists’ thinking about how they provide care. It brings together resources that they can then dip into over time to make improvements, with the ultimate aim of delivering accessible pharmaceutical care to everyone.”

The Scottish parliament’s health committee recently concluded that the last decade of action on health inequalities has “largely failed” to close the gap, calling for bold and strategic action at all levels.

During its inquiry evidence sessions, committee members heard that health inequalities are largely driven by socioeconomic determinants of health – including housing, income, and early-years education – though an important role is also played by health services and ill-health prevention measures.

The Chief Executive of NHS Fife recently told healthandcare.scot that the region’s dynamic and empowered pharmacy teams play a leading role in supporting people hardest to reach by health care services.

Giving pharmacy teams the right tools, according to Carol Potter, allows them to have a sustained and positive impact on population health and wellbeing and ensures people begin their care journey in the right way.

Pulse Pharmacy in Kirkintilloch is cited by the latest RPS paper to be a shining example of a community pharmacy that promotes a ‘truly inclusive culture’, with staff making extra efforts to get to know patients and looking out for those who are more vulnerable.

RPS also calls for pharmacists to consider recommendations made by Glasgow community peer support group ‘Chance 2 Change’ to adopt a 50:50 partnership model to improve communication and trust between health professionals and the public.

Read more: More ambitions than pharmacists; RPS Scotland director moves to HIS; Renewed campaign to divert people from going to A&E; Plans for a more inclusive pharmacy sector;

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