Prescribing

Sharp increase in prescribing of generic Parkinson’s disease medicines since 2017, analysis finds

Exclusive: Analysis by The Pharmaceutical Journal has revealed significant increases in prescribing of generic medicines for Parkinson's disease between 2017 and 2021, while prescribing of branded medicines decreased.…

NHS launches clinical examination skill training for 10,000 community pharmacists

The clinical examination and consulting skills training is aimed to complement independent prescriber training.…

ADHD and central nervous system stimulant prescribing has increased by almost 70% in five years

The NHS Business Services Authority's 'Medicines used in mental health' report covers five types of mental health medication prescribed in England and dispensed in the community.…

Give prescribers access to non-drug alternatives to antidepressants and opioids, says NHS

In a new framework, NHS England recommends alternative treatment options, such as psychotherapy, health coaching and pain or sleep clinics, are commissioned locally.…

New mentor role introduced to help train independent pharmacist prescribers in Scotland

A pilot scheme across three health board areas will see the creation of a new designated prescribing supervisor role.…

Health Education England to fund extra 3,000 places on pharmacist prescribing training courses

Applications are open to pharmacists in all sectors and should be made directly to the institution holding the course.…

Hormone replacement therapy pre-payment scheme is too ‘complex’, say pharmacy leaders

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee said the new system is "complex" and will not work well with current prescription and pricing systems, creating more work for pharmacy contractors.…

Talking about polypharmacy: the service user perspective

As the population ages and polypharmacy grows, the challenge of optimising patient medication becomes increasingly complex. The 'National overprescribing review', published in September 2021, recognised the need to change the culture of prescribing in the NHS and the importance of engaging service u…

NHS testosterone prescribing in women rises ten-fold in seven years

Exclusive: Experts are concerned testosterone is being used inappropriately in younger women and is seen as “as a solution to their relationship problems”.…

Pharmacist prescribers can reduce sedative use in care homes, study demonstrates

Researchers found that pharmacist independent prescribers were able to improve outcomes for care home residents through "effective deprescribing" of anticholinergic and sedative drugs.…