Expectations of service users increase

A reconfiguration of pharmacy services and the implementation of technology increase the availability of round-the-clock and value added services. Simultaneously, the availability of drugs and the development of complex, more potent medicines increase patient demand and pharmacists need to advocate more self-management and self-care of minor illnesses, as opposed to encouraging reliance on medical intervention. Patients see themselves more as consumers, driving similar expectations to those they have of other services. Newly qualified pharmacists need to be equipped with the skills and product knowledge to manage patient expectations, including the interpersonal skills required to communicate information.

Proposed workforce impact

• Pharmacists are required to deliver more clinical skills.
• Pharmacists continue to carry out tasks that could be delivered by pharmacy technicians.

Sources or references

• www.actavis.co.uk/en/Press/Press/Articles?news_801 217075.htm
• www.psnc.org.uk%2Fpublications_download.php%2F282%2FLiterature_review_Substance_Misuse.pdf&ei=QN3lULiBNYOQ2gXh2ICoCQ&usg=AFQjCNGlmv638av4I3HbFTYuXdWLU_azOQ&cad=rja

Additional research questions

• When is this likely to occur?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.