OTC Update – About

In line with Government policy of bringing care closer to home, the role of staff at the pharmacy counter has become increasingly important. Pressures on GP services is driving more and more patients to the pharmacy for primary care, especially for minor ailments and common illnesses. Faced with this challenge, pharmacy counter staff need to keep their skills and knowledge up to date to best serve customers. As Ireland’s only specialist magazine for pharmacy counter staff, OTC Update provides vital information on how to assess common ailments and recommend the right product for the situation. 

Many conditions have the potential to be confused with other illnesses due to overlap of symptoms. This means counter staff need to be aware of common symptoms of a number of illnesses, including colds and flu, allergies, cuts and bruises, and a range of other presentations. These staff must also be aware of when it is necessary to consult with the pharmacist, who may decide that referral to medical care is necessary.

OTC Update provides pharmacy staff with guidance on when a customer may have a condition that cannot be treated with over-the-counter medications. Staff can then provide a customer with vital information and advice.

OTC Update also includes features written by pharmacy counter staff, for pharmacy counter staff. These features address the everyday problems in the pharmacy, including dealing with difficult customers and recognising ‘pharmacy-hopping’ habits.

The magazine also includes news on recent healthcare research and initiatives designed to improve the delivery of healthcare in a range of common ailments. All-in-all, OTC Update is an essential tool for pharmacy staff to keep their skills up to date in order to best serve their communities and help take pressure off other sectors of primary care.