Increase in unhealthy lifestyles
The proportion of the population living unhealthy lifestyles continues to drive an increase in long-term conditions such as diabetes and obesity, with associated healthcare costs rising as a result. Pharmacists need to play a role in mitigating these public health challenges and promote a shift in focus to preventive medicine by assuming the role of ‘healthy living champions’ and influencing lifestyle behaviours.
Related Sectors Related Specialities
- Healthcare
- Pharmacists
Related Themes Related Projects
Proposed workforce impact
- Increased demand for pharmacists in a public health role, particularly in the community setting.
- Pharmacists to play a central role in patient screening.
- New skill mix for pharmacists and pharmacy teams.
Sources or references
- http://www.webmd.boots.com/heart-disease/news/20120929/unhealthy-lifestyles-will-fuel-rise-in-heart-deaths
- http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/clustering-unhealthy-behaviours-over-time
Additional research questions
- When is this potential change in role likely to occur?
Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.
