A new care protocol in the pharmacies of Sérignan and Valras – The Bobr Times
La pharmacie Saint-Roch teste le programme OSyS. Rodrigue Delpas – Midi Libre
The pharmacies Saint-Roch and La Méditerranée in Sérignan are currently testing the Orientation of the Healthcare System (OSyS) program since January 1st. This program, which is still in its testing phase in Occitanie, aims to provide a protocol for the management of six mild pathologies in pharmacies. The selected pathologies include cystitis, tonsillitis, conjunctivitis, small wounds, tick bites, and superficial burns.
Out of the 40 participating pharmacies in Occitanie, three are located in Hérault, all situated along the coast. These pharmacies include Saint-Roch and La Méditerranée in Sérignan, as well as des Mouettes in Valras-Plage. The decision to include these coastal communities was based on the regional union of health professionals’ request to address medical tensions caused by an increase in the summer population.
Pharmacists in these pharmacies underwent training with a doctor to familiarize themselves with the protocol and revisit the management of the six pathologies. Additionally, the pharmacies have been equipped to screen for urinary infections.
Despite the implementation of the protocol, it is essential to note that pharmacists are closely supervised and cannot replace doctors in diagnosing or prescribing treatments. They work within a well-defined framework, with general practitioners taking responsibility for prescribing treatments, which can then be dispensed by the pharmacists. Prescription rights remain reserved for doctors.
Even though OSyS provides additional responsibilities to pharmacists, some general practitioners are skeptical. They believe that allowing pharmacists to handle certain pathologies creates an unhealthy competition between pharmacists and doctors, and that this program only serves as a smokescreen to address the increasing need for access to care.
The pharmacists, however, emphasize that they are still working within their designated roles and intervene only when suitable. They utilize decision trees to guide patients, which helps alleviate congestion in emergency rooms. For example, regarding cystitis, pharmacists can now perform urine screenings for leukocytes and nitrite, enabling them to quickly provide appropriate antibiotics. This has been a significant request from patients seeking quicker access to treatment.
As of now, the pharmacies in Sérignan that are part of the OSyS program have not experienced significant changes in patient flow. However, they anticipate a more considerable impact during the upcoming summer season when tourists arrive and seek medical care. Both pharmacies expect an increase in patient numbers as awareness of the program grows.
Although the OSyS program has its detractors among general practitioners, and pharmacists remain aware of their boundaries, it aims to improve access to care and streamline the management of mild pathologies. By utilizing decision trees and equipped with proper training, pharmacists are better prepared to direct patients to appropriate healthcare providers and ensure efficient treatment.
