The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 273 No 7322 p597
23 October 2004

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· Concordance
· Medicines distribution
· Pharmacy education
· Management training
· Medicines stability
· New contract
· Technicians
· Prescription charge
· Personal control
· Private dispensing
· Dispensing
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· The Society
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Letters to the Editor

Management training

Perhaps FPMM can fill the gap

From Ms A. M. Coppel, MRPharmS, and Mr I. G. Simpson, FRPharmS

We were interested to read the article (PDF 100K) by Jesson et al on the activity, training and development needs of pharmacists in primary care (PJ, 16 October, p564), and particularly their conclusion that the clinical and therapeutics training needs of primary care trust pharmacists are being well met, but that their management training needs are not. At the College of Pharmacy Practice, the board of the Faculty of Prescribing and Medicines Management (FPMM) reached exactly the same conclusion about three years ago and resolved to do something about it. The result was the “Develop yourself” programme — a series of one-day practical and interactive modules covering various management topics based on need identified by faculty members. Since its inception, over 70 per cent of faculty members have accessed “Develop yourself” (based on current registrations).

“Develop yourself III” is now running at eight venues around the UK and further information is available on the CPP website at www.collpharm.org.uk or from Lucie Lancashire (e-mail llancash@wiley.co.uk).

We note that Jesson and her colleagues carried out their survey of PCT pharmacists between September and December 2002. “Develop yourself” was just starting at that time, and we suggest that, if they were to repeat the survey today, they might get a different response. We believe that the FPMM, with the support of its commercial partners and the CPP, has successfully filled some of the gap identified by Jesson et al and provided a high level of management training for pharmacists. The programme has been accredited against the Faculty Competency Framework, and completion of “Develop yourself” modules may be used as part of the portfolio of evidence submitted by associates applying for membership of the Faculty and College. We would be interested in discussing with Jesson and colleagues the possibility of recognition of this programme for credit transfer, as suggested in their article.

Annie M. Coppel
Chairman, FPMM

Ian G. Simpson
Chief Executive
College of Pharmacy Practice

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