How to save a life

Well pandemic influenza A/H1N1's finally with us, and I thought I'd share with you one idea that's potentially life saving, which most patient-facing pharmacists could implement simply: Inhaler counselling.

People who contract pandemic influenza are more likely to be severely ill if they're a) a young adult and b) have a pre-existing medical condition such as asthma.  Ensuring asthmatics are well controlled could be a massive help when 'flu season really kicks in.

Of course, many pharmacists are currently expected to do multiple roles simultaneously - such as dispenser, checker, provider of MURs and responsible person for updating SOPs - and so might not be able to do this.  Which would be a shame, as it's potentially a life saving act of a healthcare professional - and isn't that what we're in this job to do?

16-6-09