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Prescribing

Let us get on with it

From Mr P. J. Curphey, FRPharmS

What an excellent analysis of the prescribing situation Professor Hugh McGavock provides (PJ, April 21, p538). Two observations came to mind. First, to emphasise the political spin on nurse prescribing: it should not be underestimated when trying to apply logic to the situation. Additionally, sadly, even while we are trying to gain the support and co-operation of “primary prescribers”, general practitioners, some of their most senior people disparage the contribution pharmacists can make while extolling the attributes of nurses. We should not forget that doctors are used to being in a control and command profession, and the confident assertion of a thoroughly independent professional, ie, a pharmacist, is unnerving for them. Thankfully younger GPs have a more enlightened view and in line with Professor McGavock's letter understand and acknowledge their limitations and the real role of pharmacists.

Secondly, although I agree with Professor McGavock's conclusions regarding additional timing I wonder why he believes a “university level diploma or certificate” necessary for nurses or pharmacists (who incidentally, I do not believe start from an equal baseline in this), and why he does not conclude that doctors need a similar top-up training in pharmacology. After all, he does say “the truth is no one should be allowed to prescribe ...”.

I suppose the conclusion we might draw is that we are all imperfect — would that members of all these professions could be equally modest.

The Council's decision has been to take forward a pharmacy task force, chaired by who better than that champion of the extension of prescribing in the interests of patients, Dr June Crown. The task force is predicated on the fact that it is in the interests of patients that prescribers are competent and that all three professions, in the generality, fall short of that definition.

If we can build a consensus, particularly of newer members of the professions, then in a few years time the argument will be meaningless. But for goodness sake, let us get on with it. Having been offered the opportunity, time is short.

Peter Curphey
Douglas, Isle of Man

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