To better understand what is happening in practice, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has partnered with Thiscovery to launch a major UK-wide research project exploring independent prescribing in community pharmacy.
We are inviting community pharmacy teams, prescribers and healthcare stakeholders across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to take part in a short online survey.
Why this research matters
Independent prescribing has the potential to transform patient access to care, strengthen the role of community pharmacy and reduce pressure across the wider NHS.
However, adoption and implementation remain inconsistent. Some pharmacies are already delivering successful prescribing services, while others face practical, operational or systemic barriers that make implementation difficult.
This research aims to build a clearer picture of:
How independent prescribing is currently being used in community pharmacy
What is working well in practice
What challenges pharmacies are facing with prescribing
How ready the sector is for wider adoption
What conditions, funding, infrastructure and policy changes would support safe and effective prescribing in community pharmacy
The findings will help inform future discussions with policymakers, commissioners and NHS leaders, ensuring that the realities of community pharmacy are properly represented.
We want to hear from everyone
Importantly, this survey is not just for pharmacies already offering prescribing services.
We are equally keen to hear from:
Pharmacies not yet offering independent prescribing
Teams exploring future implementation
Pharmacists currently training to become prescribers
Those who feel barriers are preventing progress
Understanding the reasons why some pharmacies are unable to implement prescribing services is just as important as learning from those already delivering them successfully.
A small amount of time that could make a big difference
The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and can be saved and returned to later if needed.
Every response will help strengthen the evidence base around independent prescribing in community pharmacy and contribute towards shaping future service development and support.
The findings will be shared at the NPA Conference in June 2026 and will help influence the future direction of prescribing practice and patient care within the NHS.
Take part
The survey deadline has been extended to 7 June 2026.
Thank you to everyone taking the time to contribute to this important work.
