The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 278 No 7454 p654
2 June 2007

Society summary

BRM reports

BRM approves two motions seeking support for preregistration tutors

Two motions seeking support for preregistration tutors were carried by the branch representatives’ meeting. One sought to establish a special interest group for tutors and the other called for specific training for them.

The motion seeking a special interest group for tutors was proposed by Amy Lepiorz (British Pharmaceutical Students Association). She said that tutors were found in many settings, including large and small hospitals, large multiples and small independent pharmacies, and any of them could find themselves isolated. A special interest group would raise the bar for tutor standards and allow sharing of good practice to create better future pharmacists. A special interest group would provide a recognised body that both tutors and trainees could approach on issues which are affecting them.

Jen De Val (BPSA), seconding, said that for the sake of the future of the profession, it was important to get the preregistration year right. But there was a great variation and a special interest group for tutors would allow for sharing of best practice and provide standardisation. Preregistration tutors have a massive responsibility, she said, and need more support.

The other motion seeking support for tutors asked the Society to develop specific training programmes and guidance to support tutors in their supervision of preregistration trainees.

The motion was put to the meeting by Peter Jones (Edinburgh and Lothians), who said that his branch had been encouraged to read the previous week that the Society was to offer training days for tutors (PJ, 12 May, p567). That was a good start. There was a need for consistency of approach and consistency of training to ensure that all new pharmacists are trained to the same high level and are fit for purpose, and the Society should take a much more proactive role.

Dot Anderson (Edinburgh and Lothians), seconding the motion, said that it was essential to provide adequate support for tutors so as to get consistency in developing the best possible pharmacists for the future, to deliver the best possible pharmacy care to their patients.