Pfizer introduces new medicines optimisation scratch card

US-based Pfizer has introduced a new scratch card in a bid to involve the public in medicines optimisation.

The card has been designed to increase patient engagement with the pharmacy team and create opportunities to engage patients with pharmacy services such as medicines use reviews (MURs) and new medicines service (NMS).

Royal Pharmaceutical Society president Ash Soni said: “Medicines optimisation is essential to ensuring we are getting the best from investment and use in medicines, both in terms of improving the public’s health and in delivering value for the NHS.

“Pharmacists have an essential role to play in optimising medicines use and pharmacy services, like the NMS, have been shown to have a positive impact on patient adherence as well as offering the NHS savings by reducing the burden on GP services.”

The postcard-sized scratch card includes five simple statements about medicines use; individuals will scratch a section of the card, indicating how strongly they agree or disagree with each statement.

This card will be returned to a member of the pharmacy team, who will interpret the responses and provide appropriate advice and guidance.

Soni added: “However, public awareness of pharmacy services is low and we need to address this so that more people are able to benefit. The scratch cards are designed to capture public attention and I welcome any tool that creates opportunities for pharmacy teams and the public to engage in meaningful conversations about medicines.”