Pharmacists embedded in general practice can successfully reduce doctor workload and pressure on emergency departments, according to an analysis published today.

The findings come from an analysis of 28 research studies conducted at Imperial College, London, and reported in the British Journal of General Practice.

Pharmacists reduced the number of GP appointments and reduced the time doctors spend on medication-related administration, the researchers, led by Dr Benedict Hayhoe, say. There was some evidence of savings in costs to health systems and in medication, the researchers say.

They do not attempt to quantify the benefits and say the evidence is “limited.” There is no evidence that pharmacists prevent emergency admission to hospital, they say.

Dr Hayhoe said today: “Evidence that pharmacists integrated in GP practices can reduce GP workload pressure whilst improving patients’ access to primary care and potentially reducing use of costly urgent services is extremely positive. More research is needed, but this study provides further support for ongoing funding of pharmacists in this setting.”