Using a notification card to improve communication between community pharmacists and general practitioners.

A pilot scheme was set up to evaluate a notification card to be used by community pharmacists when referring patients to their general practitioner, with the aim of improving communication. Six community pharmacists and 15 general practitioners took part in the study. During the 18 month study period 120 cards were issued by pharmacists. The majority of patients (71%) advised to see their general practitioner by the pharmacist did so. Fourteen cards (12%) were issued for suspected adverse drug reactions. The card was received positively by patients, doctors and pharmacists.