Pharmacists propose home visits for elderly patients

The National Order of Pharmacists has suggested introducing "home pharmaceutical visits" for elderly individuals as part of its plan to address aging populations and the growing trend of home-based care. This proposal is included in the organization's second axis of ideas, which focuses on improving patient care by bringing services closer to individuals.

Nurses raise concerns about duplication

Daniel Guillerm, president of the National Federation of Nurses (FNI), expressed concerns about the proposal, stating that it could duplicate existing nursing responsibilities. He emphasized that nurses and pharmacists have complementary roles, with nursing being the primary domain for home care.

Pharmacists’ access to medical tools is limited

Guillerm pointed out that while pharmacists have access to the Shared Medication Assessment (BPM), only 15% of pharmacies in France have used this tool, according to the Health Insurance Fund. He argued that pharmacists should focus on using existing resources rather than expanding their role into areas already managed by nurses.

Pharmacy presence is declining in key areas

The FNI also raised concerns about the declining number of pharmacies, noting that pharmacy owners have decreased by nearly 12% over 10 years. This decline, according to the annual pharmaceutical demographics report, raises questions about the feasibility of sending pharmacists to homes in areas where pharmacy services are already limited.

Nurses suggest alternative solutions

In response to the pharmacists’ proposal, the FNI suggested three counter-proposals. These include allowing nurses to ensure patients follow their treatment plans at home, strengthening collaboration between nurses and pharmacists using tools like the BPM, and granting nurses access to dispensation data, which they currently only receive if they are doctors, pharmacists, or biologists.

Pharmacists and nurses have distinct but complementary roles

Daniel Guillerm explained that pharmacists analyze treatments, while nurses ensure they are properly administered. He emphasized that issues like medication-related harm—such as adverse effects, overdoses, or avoidable hospitalizations—require ongoing efforts, not a single visit. Dispensation, the act of a pharmacist delivering medication, is a key part of this process and is regulated by French law.