NPA outlines benefits of independent prescribing by pharmacists
Independent prescribing by pharmacists is
on the agenda for 2005
|
Independent prescribing by community pharmacists will increase patient choice, access and equity, according to a position paper published this week by the National
Pharmaceutical Association.
The Government is expected to issue
a public consultation early next year on
extending independent prescribing rights to pharmacists. This will follow
discussions on the subject which are currently ongoing.
The NPA position paper will form the basis of the association’s
response to the
consultation. It outlines the benefits of independent prescribing by
community pharmacists for patients, the NHS and the profession, and the
issues that need to be addressed in order for independent prescribing
to be taken forward.
Among the issues are how prescribing will be funded, whether or not prescribing
should be restricted to a formulary, and clinical governance and probity
issues.
Ash Soni, chairman of the NPA, commented: “The pharmacy profession
is well placed to play a significant role in independent prescribing
and community pharmacists have a particular contribution to make in
increasing access and choice for treatment for minor ailments both during
normal hours and out of hours.” |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
Acrobat
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