Prescribing becomes a core role

A re-evaluation of the healthcare workforce results in pharmacists taking the lead in prescribing for minor ailments and repeat illnesses. This leads to more effective first-time prescriptions and helps to address capacity issues in the NHS. Efficiency gains and cost effectiveness also expand the list of drugs that pharmacists can legally prescribe, and prescription-only medicines become pharmacy medicines.

Proposed workforce impact

• The role of the pharmacist evolves to include prescribing as a core role. Trainees sit a mandatory prescribing exam.
• The number of pharmacists registered as prescribers increases.
• Demand for pharmacists in primary and secondary care rises.

Sources or references

• www.pharmacyregulation.org/pharmacy-workforce-continues-become-more-diverse
• www.northeast.nhs.uk/_assets/media/pdf/Medicines_optimisation.pdf

Additional research questions

• Who and where are the competent prescribers?
• At what stage of training will pharmacists become qualified prescribers?
• What will be the required changes to pharmacy training?

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