As of January 1, 2024, Occitani is experimenting with the treatment of six low-risk pathologies, or “OSyS Protocol”, in 40 pharmacies. Patients can now visit these pharmacies to seek medical treatment or be referred to a doctor, a system that asks few questions.
The new stethoscope is the caduceus. Since January 1, 40 pharmacies in the region are experimenting with OSyS (Orientation of the Healthcare System), a care protocol. Six pathologies “light” in pharmacies.
What pathologies are affected?
Six pathologies are related by OSyS. This is Cystitis, tonsillitis, conjunctivitis, minor wounds, tick bites and superficial burns.
Valerie Garnier, President of URPS Occitanie, explains to us that these pathologies “It’s taken care of every day by pharmacists, they use it”. for Philip Cathala, President of the Order of Physicians of Herault, we must be wary of the fact that these pathologies appear “Mild”: “Behind clinical conditions, which seem insignificant, benign, can hide a certain number of pathologies. This means distributing medical acts that are presented as simple acts but which are not so simple..”
Additionally, adds Philip Cathala, the fact that pharmacists are required to dispense antibiotics is a concern: “We’re going to find ourselves, the fear is, with overprescription. I’m not sure that’s a good thing in terms of public health.” Valerie Garnier, however, notes the fact that the treatment of pathology that falls within the scope of experimentation “Developed by a working group made up of emergency doctors, general practitioners and pharmacists and endorsed by HAS.”
How does it work?
Patients can visit one of the 40 pharmacies without an appointment for a (free) consultation with their pharmacist.
Three bases is proposed. First, if the patient does not need a consultation with a general practitioner: it is the pharmacist who provides the treatment or care. He contacts the patient again after 48 hours to make sure the treatment is going well.
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Another option, if the patient suffers from a more serious pathology: he is sent to a doctor. Finally, if the patient’s ailments are more serious: the pharmacist advises referral to emergency services.
Valerie Garnier recalls that some patients, because of their age or pre-existing health problems, would automatically be referred to a general practitioner: “We don’t risk losing anything serious.”
Declutter cabinets?
The main objective of the experiment is Combating medical deserts. OSyS has already proven itself in Brittany and has made it possible to declutter waiting rooms. The experiment is part of a plan to tackle medical deserts with the development of multi-professional healthcare centres.
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Valerie Garnier explains that in priority, OSyS should not overburden pharmacies: “Participating pharmacies must guarantee to have sufficient human resources to be able to join the experiment.” The OSyS protocol will allow them to perform these actions a official structure, While safe.
Last year, while the legislation was passing the Senate, the Order of Physicians expressed reservations about the OSyS system: “Every patient has the right to see a doctor if he is sick.”, He was worried about it conversed. And Philip Cathala reiterates: “We are experimenting too quickly. It would be more logical to be sure of the training, skills before playing Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”
