From 2026, all pharmacists will be independent prescribers when they first qualify. But that leaves a whole cohort of non-prescribing pharmacists already in the workforce, many of whom do not want to be left behind.
In this episode of The PJ Pod, we accompany three pharmacists — Isabel Macho and Isheeta Mendiratta, who work in primary care, and Rachael Patel, a community pharmacist — as they train to become independent prescribers. We get the inside track on what motivates them and how they have managed to complete the course alongside a demanding job, as well as the highs and the lows, and whether it was all worth it.
We also hear from Danny Bartlett, a primary care network pharmacist, who is a designated prescribing practitioner and teaches on the University of Brighton’s independent prescribing course. He gives insights on how to succeed on the course and what needs to change to smooth the path for more pharmacists in the workforce to become independent prescribers.
This episode was presented by Dawn Connelly, senior features editor, and produced by Geoff Marsh.
Resources
The Pharmaceutical Journal is publishing a series of new learning resources to support pharmacist prescribers. The first five articles are below:
- ‘Factors influencing effective communication when prescribing‘;
- ‘Principles of person-centred practice for prescribing‘;
- ‘Introduction to the prescribing consultation‘;
- ‘Communication techniques for prescribing‘;
- ‘Test yourself: communication and person-centred practice for prescribing‘.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has also produced guidance, resources and support for prescribers.
