Report: UK Pharmacies Have Major Opportunity to Advance Men's Health

A new report, "An Unfilled Prescription," supported by the Men’s Health Forum and Opella, has identified a significant opportunity for UK pharmacies to play a greater role in advancing men's health.

The study found that despite 92% of men visiting their local pharmacy, over three-quarters (74%) leave without discussing their health with a pharmacist. This disconnect comes amid data showing men's life expectancy in the UK is four years shorter than women's, highlighting the potential for pharmacies to serve as front-line preventative health hubs.

Barriers identified in the report for men discussing health include discomfort with public retail spaces (22%), a perception that seeking help is a sign of weakness (33%), and a tendency to delay seeking medical advice (36%). These hesitations can lead to negative consequences, with 57% reporting adverse impacts such as missed work or strained relationships.

The report proposes a five-step plan for pharmacies to better engage men. Recommendations include creating private consultation spaces, appointing 'Men's Health Champions,' offering dedicated services like 'men's health MOTs,' improving accessibility through flexible hours and booking systems, and proactive community outreach.

Opella and the Men's Health Forum emphasize the need for collaboration to improve men's health outcomes. The findings suggest men are willing to engage if the environment is conducive, with privacy and clear referral pathways to services like the NHS being key factors.