A development and feasibility study to co-develop a community pharmacy response service for domestic abuse and suicidal ideation. Background - The current COVID situation has increased the number of people feeling suicidal, and has increased domestic abuse. Both of these situations are distressing and can be fatal. However, these deaths are preventable, and harm can be minimised, if people are able to access timely and appropriate help.
Community pharmacies are known to be highly accessible, with long opening hours and no requirement for an appointment. Due to the distressing nature of these issues, we aim to make the service as discreet as possible. Discussions with members of the public has indicated that a name with an analogy may help to make it discreet.
There has been a positive response to an initial suggestion of using the analogy of a lifeguard and life-ring. The details of how the service would work, the training and service resources and a promotional strategy will be co-developed in the first stage of the project.
Design and methods used - In phase one, we will hold 8 interviews with local experts, 2 lay focus groups and 3 development workshops with members of the public and pharmacy staff. Through these activities we will develop the name, concept, design and resources for the new service. Resources will include developing a clinical assessment and referral tool, and a training package for the pharmacy staff that will deliver the service.
In phase two, we will launch the service to 8 pharmacies across Lincolnshire. The service will be promoted in local community venues. We will train 3 members of staff from each of the 8 pharmacies in the scheme.
