Team work
outs on occasions has been a huge feat . Fortunately , the cohort of postgraduates in the authors class have had very understanding lecturers who were extremely helpful during stressful times .
As the journey through the course has progressed , it has improved the authors professional skills including risk management , resilience , and leadership towards an advanced practice role . Having completed the final year ( 2019 ) the author is continually learning and developing the necessary skills in managing patients presenting with complex problems , considering all the factors which contribute to the individual ' s problem .
During the dissertation module year ( 2018 / 19 ), the requirement of completing an Advanced Work Based Project ( AWBP ) allowed the author to also examine the wider context of healthcare and work towards improving health outcomes in collaboration with others , not merely for individuals but also for groups and populations . The incorporation of the AWBP has further cemented the authors role within GP practice and allowed engagement with stakeholders whom he would not normally interact with . This has afforded the author a richer experience during the course and has highlighted the importance of population health .
By being more visible and taking on a greater clinical responsibility , this has benefitted patients and the practice . Practice staff are now more inclined to approach the author with patient medication issues thereby reducing the demand on the already stretched GPs .
Team work
Maintaining a commitment to continuing professional development ( Health Education England , 2015 ) is a quality of leadership which the author has strived to maintain . As a leader in pharmacy , maintaining up to date knowledge of evidenced based medicine , chronic disease management , latest guidelines , and regular health related updates , ensures a high-quality service is being delivered by the author . This has been achieved through completion of a supplementary and independent prescribing course , attending regular continuing professional development ( CPD ) events , and more recently completing the MSc ACP course . This impacts not only the patients but other HCP ’ s that frequently require the authors input for clinical and prescribing issues .
To achieve the various goals that the author prioritises within the GP surgeries , developing effective relationships with GPs , nurses , health care assistants , receptionists and peers in other departments is a critical component of leadership ( RCN , 2007 ). Work streams that include patient clinics , cost effective prescribing , patient quality focus and auditing requirements require contribution from all members of the GP practices . To achieve this shared goal , it is vital to develop effective networks between colleagues that allow engagement within the team to complete the work plans .
Within the GP practice , the author recognises , respects , and values the contribution other members have to the team ( Belbin , 2010 ). At practice meetings the author discusses areas of care that will be of focus , provides feedback on audits and cost-effective savings made , and highlights areas of prescribing the practice could improve . This affords the opportunity to bring groups together to encourage contribution , listen to feedback and employ strategies to manage the authors work schedule .
During the collaborative work with GP ’ s , the author found that to be an effective leader the relationship with GP peers moved from being an Implementer to a combination of an idea ’ s person and a leader ( Belbin , 2010 ). Being respectful with a clear focus on the pharmacist ’ s unique role , contribution to the team and a commitment to patient care is important . The author regularly finds that most GPs recognise the need for assistance with drug information and therapeutic care ( Zilz , 2004 ), and many seek the authors contribution and input . Pharmacists are increasingly being considered as strong contributors within the healthcare system particularly in primary care . This is evidenced by the fact that NHS England has more than doubled the funding being made available for its clinical pharmacists in the general practice pilot ,