Charles Guyard (in Lorient), edited by Solène Leroux 8:02 p.m., May 04, 2022
In Brittany, about fifty pharmacists take care of minor everyday health problems, precisely 13 pathologies, which range from headaches to burns.
The objective is simple: to unclog GP surgeries, but also emergencies.
Europe 1 went to a pharmacy in Lorient.
What if this was the solution to medical deserts?
In Brittany, about fifty pharmacists take care of minor everyday health problems, precisely 13 pathologies, which range from headaches to burns, for example.
Objective: to unclog GP surgeries, but also emergencies.
Cecilia has been feeling pain in her throat for two or three days, so she goes to a pharmacy in Lorient.
These discomforts are not dramatic, but they are obviously not pleasant.
"I really hurt when I swallow," confirms the Breton.
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Facing her, Véronique Prié, who asks her a series of questions in a very specific order: "Do you have a fever? Do you also cough a little?"
The purpose of this exchange?
Determine if Cecilia's case concerns medicine or only pharmacology.
In other words, "if it's viral angina, I can give you advice, but if it's bacterial, it will be a doctor", explains the pharmacist.
Limit bobology to pharmacies
On her screen, Véronique Prié ticks boxes and software then tells her what to do depending on the answers.
In 15 minutes, an opinion is given.
"It's viral angina, so it doesn't require going to the doctor," announces the pharmacist.
For Cécilia, it's a real relief: "It's a lot less waiting than going to the doctor."
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Less waiting for the patient and especially fewer people in medical offices or emergencies, sometimes cluttered by what is called simple bobology.
It is for this purpose that 50 pharmacies are testing this sorting device in Brittany, on thirteen cases defined as headaches, angina or sores.
In recent months, of the approximately 400 people seen in pharmacies, three-quarters have subsequently been able to do without a visit to the doctor or to the hospital.
The experience should last two years and could then be generalized to the whole of France.