Society launches resource pack to help pharmacist prescribers
A resource pack designed to provide practical help for pharmacists intending
to become prescribers has been published by the Royal Pharmaceutical
Society. The 21-page “
Pharmacist
prescriber pack” is available to download from the “Current
developments” pages within the “World of pharmacy” section
of the Society’s website.
The pack provides resources and information for those who have qualified as pharmacist
prescribers as well as useful information for those who are training as pharmacist
prescribers. Designed as a “living document” that will be continuously
updated, the pack is primarily aimed at supplementary prescribers but much of
the information will also be useful to those considering taking on an independent
prescribing role.
The pharmacist prescriber pack is divided into four sections. The first covers
core elements such as registration, competencies, continuing professional development,
clinical management plans and guidance on the logistics of setting up a clinic.
Other basics such as insurance matters, security and safe handling of prescriptions
are also covered as well as details of other support available such as buddying
schemes and peer support groups. The second section covers prescribing by hospital-based
supplementary prescribers and the third deals with prescribing in primary care.
The final section lists useful website links.
Beth Taylor and Jane Nicholls, from London, Eastern and South East Specialist
Pharmacy Services, helped develop the guidance in conjunction with the Society’s
practice division. Ms Taylor said: “Pharmacist prescribers in London have
been telling us for a while now that they need resources to help them with the
practical issues they face after qualification. We are therefore delighted that
the Society has launched the pharmacist prescriber pack to fill the gap. We hope
that this will encourage all pharmacist prescribers to ensure that patients can
benefit from their skills as supplementary, and, in future, independent prescribers.”
Sid Dajani, a member of the Society’s Council and chairman of its Practice
Committee, said: “Prescribing is one of the most important issues on the
pharmacy agenda today. By being involved in the development of this new resource
pack, the Society is responding to the needs of its members and the community
in which they work. Many of them have shown great enthusiasm for becoming prescribers
but, understandably, they have also made it clear they need help, advice and
guidance to enable them to get to that stage. This new pack addresses many of
the practical basics and answers some of the more obvious questions that spring
to the minds of future pharmacist prescribers.”
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The
Pharmaceutical Journal