Although there was no effect on GP consultation rate as
measured, in practice, consultations would be saved. The
National Service Framework requires that patients’ medication
be reviewed annually (or 6-monthly in patients on four
medicines). The pharmacist’s review saves the GP needing
to do this in those who are not reviewed opportunistically
(81.2% in 6 months in our control group) and thereby saves
a consultation in over four-fifths of the patients. Because
such consultations would have required a doctor visit, this is
an important time saving.