A Community Pharmacist looking to become an Independent Prescriber needs to work with a suitable Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) who provides prescribing and supervision experience. This meets the requirement to support Community Pharmacist Independent Prescribing trainees in a suitable clinical environment, through offering a range of multidisciplinary opportunities to achieve 90 hours of clinical supervision. This is essential to support them achieving their Independent Prescriber qualification.

The Foundation Training Pharmacist programme has also been set up to support prescribing training using DPP supervision to benefit the entire primary healthcare system.

The DPP is tasked with creating an environment to facilitate learning and provide the necessary resource and support for trainees to achieve a prescribing assessment and demonstrate safe prescribing practice is in place. In return, their trainee becomes a valued member of the team who is competent, once qualified, to assume a prescribing role.

Alwoodley Medical Centre has a list size of around 20,000 patients. The team supported a Foundation Trainee Pharmacist (FTP) in the practice for a year at 1 day a week based at the practice and also working remotely.

Dr Philip Xiu, GP and Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) at Alwoodley Medical Centre said:

“One of the most significant contributions of our foundation trainee pharmacist has been their adherence to protocols and close collaboration with our practice pharmacist. They have worked on medication reconciliation, optimised medication regimens, and booked patients for telephone or face-to-face consultations when necessary.

“This has not only improved patient safety and outcomes but has also reduced the workload on our Medicines Management and GP team, allowing us to focus on other critical aspects of patient care.”

The Foundation Trainee Pharmacist also contributed to patient medication reviews, QOF optimisation, and clinical audits, contributing to the overall workflow of the practice.

The positive feedback received from patients and the healthcare team around these areas of work is a testament to the substantial impact the role has made. The whole team felt a noticeable impact on workload when they left the practice to move on to the next stage of training and as a result they are strong advocates for of the Foundation Training Pharmacist Programme within primary care.

Dr Philip added:

“I got to witness first-hand the immense value and benefits that an FTP brings to our healthcare team. Their skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm were invaluable, and their contributions have undoubtedly elevated the quality of care we provide to our patients. Our FTP has now continued their career after their training within the local PCN and will continue to thrive, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of their professional development.”

Trainees also have a positive experience of the programme.

Jyoti Bhagwanji, a Foundation Trainee Pharmacist from 2022 to 2023 recalls her experience:

“I trained in a split GP and community pharmacy setting, where I was supervised by a practice and a community pharmacist. This provided me with a comprehensive understanding of both environments and the vital role of pharmacists within the Primary Care Network (PCN).

“I worked closely with experienced PCN pharmacists, engaging in patient medication reviews and managing chronic conditions.”

In the community pharmacy setting, Jyoti further developed her skills in patient interaction, medication dispensing, and providing expert advice on over-the-counter treatments.

Her time in the pharmacy reinforced the importance of seamless communication between community pharmacies and GP practices to ensure continuity of care for patients and after completing her training, she secured a position within the Central North Leeds Primary Care Network PCN.

Dr Faisel Baig, Medical Director for Primary Care, North East and Yorkshire, said:

“The Foundation Training Pharmacist programme has clear benefits not only for the trainees that get the skills they need to progress their career but for the GP practices that support them and, along with patients, reap the rewards from their expertise. I encourage colleagues to take up the opportunity to participate, strengthening links with community pharmacy and creating a positive impact on our primary healthcare system through their use of a prescribing role.”

For more information about the initiative visit: Transforming pharmacy education and training | NHS England | Workforce, training and education

Colleagues  that are interested in the scheme can also visit the directory and watch a demo video

Learn about Jyoti Bhagwanji’s experience as a Foundation Trainee Pharmacist