Professional judgement

Communicating with parents and involving children in medicines optimisation

Although children take responsibility for taking their medications at different ages, involving parents, and where possible children, in decision making is key to medicines optimisation.…

How to use the new BNF and BNF for Children app

Around 500,000 print copies of the BNF and BNF for Children are distributed to healthcare professionals each year. A new app which combines BNF and BNF for Children content ensures the availability of drug information through a smart device.…

How to support cancer patients in community pharmacies

Every community pharmacy team will come into contact with cancer patients or their family members. This article aims to provide community pharmacists and healthcare professionals with the tools to be able to speak confidently to patients with cancer and summarises the useful resources available.…

Communicating with palliative care patients nearing the end of life, their families and carers

Pharmacists are becoming increasingly involved in palliative care and can be a source of important information and support for patients at the end of life. Health professionals caring for patients with advanced illness should develop skills for communicating with patients, and their families and car…

How to build and maintain trust with patients

Patients are more likely to open up and disclose information if they trust their pharmacist or healthcare professional, and a better quality of interaction may result in greater patient autonomy and shared decision-making.…

How to spot signs of child sexual exploitation

Children and young people affected by sexual exploitation can present to a wide range of health settings, including community pharmacies. Pharmacists should be aware of the signs of potential sexual exploitation to ensure that they seek the appropriate help and support to protect the …

Communication during transfer of care of older people

Guidance, strategies and communication tools to support transfer of care of frail older people…

Using motivational interviewing to improve medicines adherence

The principles of motivational interviewing and how pharmacists can use it to help patients take their medicines as prescribed.…

How to use the summary care record in community pharmacy

An overview of the summary care record, including its contents, who can view it, how its use can be monitored as well as how access in community pharmacies in England can benefit patients and pharmacy practice.…

Disclosing ingredients of medicines to patients

There is a lack of information on the ingredients of medicines which patients deserve to know about.…