The programme is designed to give this army of newly qualified prescribing pharmacists, as well as existing prescribers yet to make full use of their skills, confidence to deliver clinical care - and help pharmacy owners grow their service offering to patients.
The NPA is offering a package of training, operating procedures, clinical guidance and business support, free to its thousands of pharmacy members and customers, which represent the majority of independent pharmacies in the UK.
The training platform includes an option for independent prescribers to be part of a community of practice, sharing operational insights and learning together.
NPA Insurance is offering a 20% discount on the prescribing element of the association’s NPA member indemnity premium, for all prescribers who successfully complete the new course.
In July, NPA-commissioned research found that 84% of pharmacists believe expanding prescribing would improve access to timely treatment. 70% of patients who had not already had a pharmacist prescription said they would be happy to have a pharmacist prescribe medication for them.
Evidence continues to build across the UK of the benefits of embedding independent prescribing in community pharmacy practice.
NHS England is preparing to roll out a programme of prescribing services covering up to five common conditions, to supplement the seven conditions already covered by the national Pharmacy First Programme.
NPA Chair, Olivier Picard said:
“Community pharmacist prescribing is developing on several fronts including workforce and public approval. So, as well as lobbying for much better government funding, we should seize the momentum to drive forward on clinical services, both private and NHS.
“Prescribing has been vital to the success of my own pharmacies, transforming my clinical offering and contributing significantly to my sustainability as a business.
“I want all NPA members to take advantage of our highly practical support, helping them to launch, deliver and grow prescribing in community pharmacy – wherever they are on their prescribing journey.”
Eligible NPA members can access the Independent Prescribing Support programme here.
