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A training programme to support pharmacists in Wales with independent prescribing has been launched by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS).
The programme, funded by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), is aimed to equip pharmacists with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to provide excellent patient care.
In a statement published on 8 April 2024, Elen Jones, director for Wales at the RPS, said: “This collaboration… will empower pharmacists across Wales to deliver high-quality prescribing services to our communities.
“Through collaboration with Community Pharmacy Wales, feedback was obtained, which has ensured its relevance and effectiveness in meeting the professional development needs of pharmacists.”
“The programme’s focus on common conditions and minor ailments aligns perfectly with the everyday challenges faced by pharmacists in their practice,” she added.
“By equipping pharmacists with the knowledge, skills and confidence to treat specific conditions as prescribers, we are not only enhancing the quality of patient care but also strengthening the role of pharmacists as vital members of the healthcare team.”
The training sessions will be delivered as six separate two-hour in-person workshops, each of which will look at conditions commonly encountered in community pharmacy practice with content written by practising pharmacist prescribers or GPs.
Participants will learn to diagnose and treat common conditions and minor ailments, identify red-flag symptoms and be taught to know when and how to refer patients to other healthcare services.
Margaret Allan, pharmacy dean at HEIW, said: “Through our collaboration with the RPS on this series of events for pharmacist independent prescribers, we hope to improve confidence in prescribing and equity of access to the provision of the independent prescribing service across Wales.”
The programme is mainly aimed at pharmacists working in in primary care settings, but pharmacists from other practice settings are also encouraged to register and participate.
The workshops will place take in locations across Wales every two months over the course of a year, starting in May 2024.
Participants will be provided with a certificate of learning following completion of each session.
