Implementing a cold and flu training programme Practical steps for implementing a cold and flu training programme to support staff in delivering consistent and reliable cold and flu management aduice to the public.

摘要

The NHS is under strain.Waiting times for GP appointments are increasing and A&E departments are struggling to meet national targets-especially during cold and flu season1.With the’NHS long-term plan’advocating out-of-hospital care and patient self-management2,the public will need to become increasingly reliant on community pharmacy as the first port of call for suspected illnesses,such as cold and flu3.Community pharmacy teams must be able to deliver consistent and reliable advice to the public around cold and flu symptom management and self-care.This approach is outlined in a previous learning article(see page S9) and materials produced as part of this campaign4.All members of the pharmacy team must have the skills,knowledge and confidence to educate and advise patients of common misconceptions.For example,dispelling the belief that antibiotics are required to treat cold and flu symptoms(seepage S5)5.