Clinical Pharmacists
Clinical pharmacists in primary care play a vital role in enhancing patient care and optimising medication use. They conduct comprehensive reviews of patients' medications to ensure they are effective, safe, and appropriate. Some clinical pharmacists are qualified to prescribe medications, allowing them to manage chronic conditions and adjust treatments as needed. They provide consultations to patients, offering advice on medication management, side effects, and lifestyle changes to improve health outcomes. Working alongside general practitioners (GPs), clinical pharmacists help manage complex medication regimens, reduce prescribing errors, and improve overall prescribing quality. Additionally, they engage in health promotion activities, such as smoking cessation programmes and vaccination campaigns, and educate other healthcare professionals and patients about medications and their proper use.
Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians in primary care support the delivery of safe and efficient pharmacy services. They ensure that patients receive the most effective medications while minimising waste and improving outcomes. Pharmacy technicians manage repeat prescriptions to ensure patients have continuous access to their medications and assist clinical pharmacists with medication reviews and patient consultations. They handle administrative duties related to medication management, such as updating patient records and coordinating with pharmacies. Furthermore, pharmacy technicians provide information to patients about their medications, including how to take them correctly and what side effects to watch for.
Both roles are integral to the functioning of primary care networks (PCNs) and contribute significantly to patient care and the efficiency of healthcare services in England.
