Self-care in New Zealand: The role of the community pharmacy.

Self-care is a growing area in community pharmacy globally. In a time where people are taking control over their own health care, the question of the degree of self-care available from community pharmacies is pertinent. New Zealand is a country that has publicly funded healthcare; with over 1000 community pharmacies catering to a population of 5 million people.

Investigating the provision, nature and associated costs of unfunded pharmacy services: A nationwide study.

Background: There is increasing evidence of pharmacists providing free or partially subsidised patient-focused services in order to meet healthcare needs. Limited information exists about the types of unfunded services and their value.

Objectives: (1) Identify the types of unfunded services provided nationally in New Zealand (NZ) and (2) Determine the costs associated with service provision.

Are professional pharmacy services being offered for free in pharmacies? A feasibility study exploring the use of a time motion study in New Zealand.

Background: Pharmacists report to be providing patient-focused clinical services for which they receive no remuneration. Limited literature exists about unfunded services leading to difficulties in ascertaining an appropriate study design for such research.

Objective: This study aims to assess the appropriateness of a proposed study design before launching a nationwide study to investigate the provision of unfunded patient care services.

What free services do pharmacists offer? Investigating the provision of unfunded pharmacy services in community pharmacies.

Background: Globally, pharmacists report to be providing free or partially subsidised patient-focused services in order to meet healthcare needs of their communities. Budget cuts to pharmacy contracts are reported to challenge the provision of such services. Limited information exists identifying the types of unfunded services provided in community pharmacies.