Scottish pharmacies show near-unanimous support for gluten-free pilot

A pilot gluten-free dispensing service launched in Scotland last month has been overwhelmingly well-supported by local pharmacists.

Figures from Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) highlighted by Chemist and Druggist revealed that only six of the 1,250 pharmacies in the country had opted out of the scheme, representing a participation rate of more than 99 percent.

The pilot allows adult and paediatric patients diagnosed with coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis to request individual gluten-free items from a pharmacist, rather than visiting their GP for a prescription.

Metrics such as patient satisfaction, cost-effectiveness and collaboration between healthcare professionals are being assessed to determine the success of the scheme, but initial reactions appear to be positive.

CPS pharmacy services manager Matt Barclay told Chemist and Druggist that the success of the scheme reflects the "willingness of the pharmacy network to engage" with the care of coeliac patients.

The success of this pilot may increase the likelihood of a gluten-free prescriptions dispensing service being rolled out across the UK.