Connect2Pharma

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[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

Our post @pharmacyshow video, https://t.co/FACYTBA7fz 250 more Pharmacists ready for Strep A test and Treat service this winter! #ps17

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

#practicemanagers - you can save your practice money today if you are at #bestpractice

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

#practicemanagers - you can save your practice money today if you are at #bestpractice

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

Visit Connect2pharma at the #bestpractice show

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@DentonGavin Such a pity that nobody criticises the current NICE sore throat guidance that recommends an inaccurate clinical scoring system and even supports transmission through delayed antibiotics. It’s no wonder incidence and deaths are increasing.

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@HIOW_ICS @MattNisbet6 Do you have access to a point of care strep A test?

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@KeepingKen Ken - please do not say ‘UK’ the use of rapid point of care tests is only funded in Welsh pharmacies. GPs and community pharmacies in England, Scotland and NI are not funded to provide point of care tests.

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@DrNighatArif @BBCBreakfast @DrChrisSmith Rapid point of care tests such as OSOM pre not commonly used. Current NICE guidance was developed to simply reduce the prescribing of antibiotics. It did not consider transmission not the increasing incidence of more serious disease. It needs to change!

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@Doctors__squad And a positive strep A test?

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@PrimaryCare24 Would testing contacts for strep A help in controlling an outbreak and reducing transmission?

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@KeeleyMP Without a positive diagnosis and rapid treatment your constituent would remain infective for at least 14 days. Doing the wrong thing has consequences.
The health service has never been there for the rapid identification and treatment of strep A infections

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@KeeleyMP It goes against the government’s report on AMR that recommends that antibiotics are prescribed after a positive diagnosis from a rapid point of care test.
In Wales these tests are part of the community pharmacy service - but not in England.
Failure is by design

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@KeeleyMP Barbara - in the UK we are working to NICE guidance that only has the aim to reduce antibiotic use. It uses an inaccurate scoring system and blocks the use of accurate point of care tests. NICE did not consider transmission or the rising level of deaths in children.

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@GlamourTiana Misdiagnosis of strep A throat infection is very common in the UK where we don’t use a rapid strep test.

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@jeffgilchrist But Jeff the NICE guidance in the UK only looks to reduce antibiotics. It does not consider transmission or more severe disease. It has contributed to the rise in strep A related deaths in the UK.

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

If only I was 10 years younger 😂

[Jon H @Jon_LondonNHS]

Just a reminder that SW London ICB are out to advert for an ICS Chief Pharmacist. Please share with your networks. Closes 12 May.

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@DrGoblin3 @pash22 One of the frail elderly seems to have iGAS and there is a scarlet fever outbreak at the local nursery.

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@DrGoblin3 @pash22 It’s a sore throat - there may be a fever and some bilateral swelling and the throat is definitely red and inflamed. You may use FeverPAIN to consider strep A, but this is at best 65% sensitive and specific. You choose not to test with point of care as that is not funded. Y

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@DrGoblin3 @pash22 You send the patient home saying come back in 48 hours if it has not improved. So it was Strep A and that patient transmits the infection to 42% of those he is in close contact with including frail elderly and children

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@adewilliamsnhs don’t forget to visit C51 and have a look at some innovative cancer screening products

[Connect2Pharma @Connect2Pharma]

@louisapower @adewilliamsnhs @pharmacyshow Don’t forget to visit C51 for some innovative cancer screening products