Published: 20/01/2005

Independent prescribing for pharmacists: consultation due soon

The promised consultation on independent prescribing by pharmacists is expected any day, according to a report in ‘The Pharmaceutical Journal’ (1/8 January, p8-9). The article discusses the different models of independent prescribing that could be adopted, stressing the importance of a clear definition of what independent prescribing for pharmacists is.

One possible model is a hybrid of independent and supplementary prescribing, where the pharmacist diagnoses simple minor conditions but a doctor diagnoses more complex conditions. After diagnosis, the pharmacist would be free to choose the most appropriate treatment, without the restrictions of a CMP.

Another area for discussion is whether all independently prescribing pharmacists should have access to the whole BNF or whether the formulary should be restricted and, if so, how. The article also discusses how independent prescribing might be used, in hospitals in community pharmacy, out-of-hours services and residential and nursing care homes.

The question of separating dispensing and prescribing is also likely to arise, and one suggestion is that it should be possible for prescribing and dispensing to take place on the same premises but with a clear division of responsibilities as a governance and safety check.

Other issues include: whether supplementary prescribing will continue; antibiotic prescribing; funding and implementation; and workforce and training issues.

Website: Pharmaceutical Journal
 

Conference announcement: NPC meetings on non-medical prescribing (20/01/05)

The National Prescribing Centre is organizing a series of six meetings in England this year to “inform and enthuse” healthcare professionals interested in the developments in independent and supplementary prescribing.
They are organized in association with ‘Prescriber’, are endorsed by the Department of Health, and supported by “far-sighted pharmaceutical industry partners”. See here for further details.
 

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