Public health agenda changes scope of practice
The public health agenda, a government policy drive to improve the overall health of the population at the local, regional and national level, has led to the pharmacy workforce contributing to the health and well-being of the population and the concept of the ‘healthy living helper’. Responsibility for furthering public health initiatives in local communities such as smoking cessation and diabetes education is increasingly delegated to pharmacy technicians, enabling pharmacists to spend more time in delivering patient care and engaging with the wider healthcare workforce to plan and develop local services.
Proposed workforce impact
- The pharmacy workforce play a increasing role in delivering key public health messages.
- The skill mix for pharmacists becomes increasingly complex.
- Increased demand for pharmacist technicians in the community.
- More education and training required in public health skills and competencies such as psychology, patient interviewing and data interpretation.
Sources or references
- http://www.accp.com/docs/positions/misc/Improving_Patient_and_Health_System_Outcomes.pdf
- https://www.ncsbn.org/ReformingScopesofPractice-WhitePaper.pdf
- www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/pharmacy_workforce_consultation.pdf
Additional research questions
- Will further education and training be required for pharmacists to fill this role?
Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.
