A clinical pharmacists role in primary care general practice
Abstract
Introduction
Article # 3
Title : A clinical pharmacists role in primary care general practice
Author : Hiren Patel
Walsall NHS trust
DOI : https :// doi . org / 10.21252 / y0q3-sn26
A clinical pharmacists role in primary care general practice
Abstract
Clinical pharmacist leaders are valued by the NHS because they are well educated , demonstrating excellent analytical and evidence-based thinking skills and professional competency . This reliability often stems from seeing the pharmacy team accepting responsibility , understanding the health care environment , demonstrating their effectiveness within primary care by reducing medication errors , improving compliance , and reducing practice spend on medicines thereby having a positive influence on patient care .
Working within a General Practice ( GP ) setting has been a rewarding career move for most pharmacists including the author . The role encompasses various work streams such as undertaking structured medication reviews , improving medicines optimisation and safety , supporting care homes , and running clinics . This role is constantly evolving as GPs realise the value pharmacists add to the skill mix and the responsibilities they can manage to reduce practice workload .
With the introduction of the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice ( MSc ACP ) qualification to other health care professionals ( HCPs ), it was an opportunity to further enhance the pharmacists ' career , knowledge , and expertise , and merge the medicines management experience with clinical and examination skills required for patient diagnosis and treatment . This paper is a personal account of how the authors role as a practicebased pharmacist in General Practice has progressed to encompass a more clinical role as a result of completing the MSc ACP qualification .
Introduction
At present primary care is facing a workforce crisis and pharmacists are ideally placed to fill these gaps efficiently and effectively ( Avery 2017 ). During the past few years , the pharmacy profession has expanded significantly in terms of professional services delivery and has now been recognised as an important profession in the multidisciplinary provision of health care .