Saving Lives Over the Counter: The GM Care Record in Action
By Amul Mistry, Pharmacy Manager at Well Pharmacy – Clinical Pharmacist and Independent Prescriber with input from Fiona Simpson, Relief Manager at Well Pharmacy
As a community pharmacist involved in the Independent Prescribing Pathfinder programme, I can confidently say that the GM Care Record (GMCR) has become an essential part of our daily practice. It’s not just a tool, it’s a game-changer in how we care for patients.
Why GMCR Matters in Pharmacy
Before GMCR, we often relied on limited information or had to chase GP practices for patient details. Now, with a few clicks, we can access a comprehensive view of a patient’s medical history, allergies, repeat medications, and even past GP encounters. This isn’t just convenient – it’s potentially lifesaving.
Take, for example, a patient who came in with tonsillitis. By checking their medical history, I saw they’d been treated eight times by Ear, Noes and Throat (ENT) specialists. Instead of prescribing antibiotics again, I referred them to Audiology, recognising a chronic issue. In another case, a woman presented with earache. Her GMCR record showed high cholesterol, an ectopic heartbeat, and a family history of heart disease. A quick Qrisk score revealed a 38.9% risk – well above the safe threshold so I started her on statins immediately.
These aren’t isolated cases. They’re daily realities. And they show how GMCR empowers pharmacists to make informed, proactive decisions that can change lives.
Fiona’s Perspective: From Sceptic to Advocate
When GMCR was first rolled out, I (Fiona) thought it was just another version of the Summary Care Record. But once I started using it, I realised the depth of information was incredible. It saves hours of time and lets us give patients answers straight away – no more waiting or referring unnecessarily. I’ve been encouraging others to explore it too. It’s intuitive, and once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.
Top Tips for Pharmacists New to GMCR
If you’re not using GMCR yet, here are some tips to get started:
- Be Curious: Don’t just check allergies – explore past medical history, active problems, and repeat medications. You’ll uncover insights that can guide better care.
- Use the Single Sign-On (SSO): The GMCR tab in PharmOutcomes is tucked away on the right. It’s easy to miss, but once you find it, it’s seamless.
- Look for Red Alerts: Anything highlighted in red signals something important. It’s a built-in safety net.
- Start Conversations: Patients often don’t know the full picture of their health. GMCR helps you start meaningful discussions that build trust and loyalty.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you use GMCR, the more confident you’ll become. It’s about building habits and integrating it into every consultation.
- Think Long-Term: Prevention is better than cure. Catching five cases a week in every pharmacy could save the NHS millions – and improve countless lives.
A Call to Action
Community pharmacy is evolving. If we want to be a central part of primary care, we need to embrace tools like GMCR. It’s not just about dispensing – it’s about delivering holistic, joined-up care. Patients write to us with gratitude because they feel heard and helped. That’s the power of GMCR.
So, to every pharmacist out there: have a play around, explore the data, and see the difference it makes. You might just save a life.
