Expand Your Pharmacy Services with Pharmacy First Training!

The otoscopy and clinical pathway training is designed to be completed in one full day. This includes hands-on training in using otoscopy equipment, understanding clinical pathways for ear conditions, and practical application of Pharmacy First protocols. Additional ongoing support and refresher courses are available to ensure pharmacists and pharmacy teams stay up to date with best practices.

Yes, pharmacists must be GPhC-registered and have completed approved training from an accredited provider. This ensures that they can confidently perform ear examinations, diagnose conditions such as Acute Otitis Media, and recommend appropriate treatments following NHS guidelines.

Pharmacy technicians can also support ear health services, but they must use the approved otoscopy equipment and follow standardised training protocols.

Yes, pharmacists can supply prescription-only medications for conditions covered under Pharmacy First, including Acute Otitis Media (earache). This is done through Patient Group Directions (PGDs), which allow pharmacists to provide treatment without requiring a GP prescription, streamlining patient care.

However, certain cases may require onward referral, particularly if the condition does not improve or presents with complications that require specialist intervention.

To take part in the Pharmacy First initiative, your pharmacy must:

• Be registered with NHS England and meet the service requirements.
• Ensure that pharmacists complete the necessary training in clinical pathways and otoscopy skills.
• Have the correct equipment (e.g., an otoscope) to perform ear health assessments.
• Follow NHS guidelines for consultation, patient care, and treatment under Pharmacy First.

For detailed registration requirements, visit NHS England’s Pharmacy First Page.

Ear conditions like Acute Otitis Media are among the most common reasons for GP visits, particularly for children under 5 years old. By offering ear care services, pharmacies can:

• Reduce GP workloads by managing minor ear infections at the pharmacy level.
• Improve patient access to ear health services without long waiting times.
• Increase revenue with NHS-funded consultation fees for earache treatments.
• Strengthen pharmacy reputation as a trusted healthcare provider in the community.

To successfully diagnose and manage ear conditions, pharmacies need:

• Otoscope – Essential for examining the ear canal and eardrum.
• Microsuction Device – For earwax removal (optional but recommended).
• Digital Record-Keeping System – For patient consultation records.

The HCPI platform is a comprehensive solution that combines HD otoscopy imaging, hearing assessments, and microsuction earwax removal, making it ideal for Pharmacy First services.

 If an ear condition falls outside the scope of Pharmacy First (e.g., severe infections, perforated eardrums, or suspected complications like mastoiditis), the pharmacist will:

• Refer the patient to a GP or ENT specialist for further evaluation.
• Provide safety-netting advice, ensuring the patient knows when to seek urgent care.
• Document the referral following NHS clinical pathways to ensure continuity of care.

Pharmacy First provides fast, accessible, and professional treatment for ear infections, helping patients:

• Avoid long GP wait times and get treated immediately at their local pharmacy.
• Receive expert assessments from trained pharmacists using professional otoscopy equipment.
• Access safe and effective treatment without needing a GP referral. Save time and reduce pressure on NHS services.

By integrating ear care into Pharmacy First, pharmacies improve patient satisfaction and community healthcare outcomes.