Marko Beric/ Alamy Stock Photo
The Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) for 2026/2027 will include a clinical audit of Pharmacy First consultations, NHS England has said.
In an update, published on 26 August 2026, NHS England announced that the audit is aimed to assess the quality and completeness of the clinical records made for Pharmacy First clinical pathways consultations, as well as identify which parts of the consultation record are recorded least consistently.
The audit will also measure how often a consultation record states that safeguarding concerns were identified in a consultation and ask pharmacists — as part of peer discussion with a colleague — to agree on at least one specific change or improvement to practice or a way to strengthen what already works, the update noted.
In the update, NHS England highlighted that a minimum of ten unique patients must be included in the audit, as it covers all seven clinical pathways.
The overall scope of the audit is to look at consultation records to check if they include relevant information, such as why the patient was eligible for the clinical pathway, NHS England said. It added that the audit will also look at what was found on assessment of the patient, why the treatment was chosen and what advice the patient was given in the event that their condition does not improve.
In addition, NHS England noted that the clinical aspect of pharmacy is growing, and from September 2026, all newly qualified pharmacists will join the register as independent prescribers.
“As clinical responsibility grows, so does the value of pharmacists examining their own practice,” it said.
The update revealed that the audit can be completed retrospectively, using records from consultations undertaken between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027. It added that the audit can also be done during or shortly after a consultation, while both face-to-face and remote consultations can be included.
Pharmacy First launched in England in January 2024 and covers seven common conditions: earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat and urinary tract infections.
Under the ‘Community pharmacy contractual framework’ (CPCF) for 2026/2027, from autumn 2026, community pharmacist prescribers will be able to provide up to five new Pharmacy First prescribing-only pathways, which have not yet been announced and will be approved by a clinical reference group before roll-out.
Gareth Jones, director of corporate affairs at the National Pharmacy Association, commented: “Pharmacies work hard to achieve the highest possible clinical standards in the delivery of Pharmacy First, with millions of patients being treated through the programme since it launched in 2024.
“It is important that we review delivery, seek opportunities to improve practice, and build evidence to demonstrate that pharmacies are working systematically and safely, including making effective clinical records.
“Pharmacies always enshrine good practice in all that they do, ensuring patients receive first-class clinical care.”
Participation in the PQS is optional, while pharmacists who take part can claim payments.
Community Pharmacy England said: “[The] PQS designed to reward community pharmacies for delivering quality criteria that are designed to support clinical effectiveness, patient safety and patient experience.”
Under the CPCF arrangements for 2026/2027, it was agreed that the PQS would have fewer requirements than in previous years, with a budget of £20m.
