Mild clinical conditions are non-serious, self-limiting, short-lived, and unrelated to clinical manifestations of other health problems. Worldwide, these conditions represent a significant source of burden on health systems1. Due to their widespread presence and the highly qualified professionals who make up their teams, community pharmacies can establish themselves as an entry point into the health system, helping triage cases and refer them to the most appropriate level of care. Pharmacies must provide an adequate response in managing minor clinical situations by carrying out rapid tests or other interventions that enable the detection of minor ailments and dispensing planned therapy and counselling on non-pharmacological measures. In this way, the pharmacy contributes to reducing pressure on the NHS and its waiting lists, providing the population with an efficient and effective neighbourhood health response.2-5
1. Watson M. Community Pharmacy Management of Minor Illness Final Report. 2014. https://pharmacyre- searchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/MINA-Study-Final-Report.pdf. 2. Policarpo V, Romano S, António JHC, et al. A new model for pharmacies? Insights from a quantitative stu- dy regarding the public’s perceptions. BMC Health Serv Res 2019;19:1–11. doi:10.1186/s12913-019-3987-3. 3. Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union. Pharmacy 2030: A Vision for Community Pharmacy in Europe. Brussels: 2019. 4. Félix J, Ferreira D, Afonso-Silva M, et al. Social and economic value of Portuguese community pharma- cies in health care. BMC Health Serv Res 2017;17:1–12. doi:10.1186/S12913-017-2525-4/TABLES/2. 5. Yusuff KB, Makhlouf AM, Ibrahim MI. Community pharmacists’ management of minor ailments in deve- loping countries: A systematic review of types, recommendations, information gathering and counselling practices. Int J Clin Pract 2021;75. doi:10.1111/ijcp.1442.