Independent Prescribing
Pharmacist Independent Prescribing
Following implementation of reforms to the initial education and training of pharmacists’, newly qualified pharmacists will join the GPhC register as pharmacist independent prescribers (PIP) from 2026.
As part of the Pharmacy Integration Programme 2021-24, Health Education England (HEE) is funding course fees for independent prescribing training for eligible pharmacists working in all sectors of practice in England.
Eligible pharmacists will need to demonstrate (as a minimum):
- The support of an identified designated prescribing practitioner (DPP).
- An appropriate practice-based learning environment in a prescribing setting that can offer appropriate clinical support.
- Evidence that you meet the course provider eligibility criteria (applicants will be subject to their chosen university’s enrolment processes).
- Commitment to use the skill within your area of competence and expertise, for the delivery of NHS clinical services as they emerge.
HEE will fund IP course fees at the Universities outlined on their website. (Please note that not all GPhC accredited courses are included). Courses will be available until March 2024, with several universities offering multiple dates for cohort intakes. Start dates will depend on the university provider.
We encourage community pharmacists, including relief pharmacists and self-employed pharmacists, to seize this opportunity. Whilst not all pharmacists may want to become prescribers, your LPC is working with stakeholders to help the existing pharmacist workforce to train as a PIP.
How will community pharmacists use Independent Prescribing in their practice?
Fully using the clinical skills and capabilities of community pharmacists, supported by significant investment in training, is part of a concerted effort across the health system to improve access to care in local communities and address health inequalities. We are working collaboratively across the health systems to build on existing PIP community pharmacy services in our area, to improve care for patients and relieve pressure in other areas.
I’ve heard about the NHS England Community pharmacy independent prescriber pathfinder programme, what is this?
The NHS England community pharmacy independent prescriber pathfinder programme will explore how community pharmacist independent prescribers and their teams can deliver an integrated clinical service aligning prescribing activity with general practice and the population needs of local communities to enable innovative clinical services to be commissioned. We will find out during spring 2023 if Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) and Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) ICBs have been successful in their expressions of interest (EOI) to be part of the pathfinder programme.
I would like to train as a PIP, what steps should I take?
Please visit the HEE Pharmacy Independent Prescribing webpage to find out more about eligibility criteria and course funding available at selected universities.
How can I finding a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) and suitable learning environment?
As part of your application to a university course, you will be asked to identify your designated prescribing practitioner (DPP) and a suitable learning environment. Whilst it is the responsibility of the pharmacist who is planning to train as a PIP to find a DPP and identify a suitable learning environment, we know this can present a challenge to getting started. For advice on some steps you can take to finding a suitable Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) and suitable learning environment please see the Avon LPC Finding a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) and suitable learning environment guide
The GPhC Standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers require a period of at least 90 hours when the trainee PIP practise and develop their clinical, diagnostic and prescribing skills under the supervision of other health or care professionals. When you are seeking a DPP it is important to emphasise to your prospective DPP that a portion of the 90 hours can be under the supervision of other IP health professionals and a proportion of supervised in-practice learning.
Avon LPC is working with the local Integrated Care Boards and HEE to help to increase DPP capacity to facilitate IP training for community pharmacists via a ‘Teach and Treat’ clinic pilot that HEE are supporting in the South West region.
For advice on some steps you can take to finding a suitable Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) and suitable learning environment please see the Avon LPC Finding a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) and suitable learning environment guide.
CPPE has useful advice I want to be a prescriber which includes: where do I start, choosing a course, securing a DPP and applying.
How should I prepare to undertake my Independent Prescribing course?
There are several ways that you can make sure your clinical knowledge and skills are up to date to improve your chances of being accepted onto an independent prescribing course including:
- HEE Clinical examination skills training for community pharmacists
Health Education England is funding NHS clinical examination skills training for community pharmacists as part of the pharmacy integration programme. This flexible training offer is designed to help community pharmacists build on their existing clinical examination and consultation skills. The training is designed to be complementary to independent prescribing training and can be completed prior to or after independent prescribing training courses.
The training consists of a pre-required online gateway module on history taking and identification of serious conditions, followed by four optional clinical modules. The clinical modules cover key themes: dermatology, cardiology, paediatrics, and ENT. The content will be delivered via eLearning system, with optional face-to-face attendance.
This fully funded offer is available until March 2024 for community pharmacists, including part time staff and locums.
To register and find out more about the training visit the CliniSkills website.
2. IP course provider
The university that you have identified as your preferred option for your IP course will have resources about preparing to become a prescriber and be able to advise you about any steps you can take now to prepare for your training and to increase your chances of being accepted onto an IP course. Contact them for further details.
Please note that HEE will fund IP course fees at the Universities outlined on their website. (Please note that not all GPhC accredited courses are included).
3. RPS/Royal College of GPs NHS CPCS Clinical Training for community pharmacists –
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Royal College of GPs are providing funded interactive webinars to help you to develop your knowledge and skills in core clinical areas, to give you the skills to diagnose, intervene, and help patients directly. Available courses include: Dermatology, Paediatrics and Women’s Health.
These courses are free to attend (RPS membership is not required). Find out more and book here.
- Health and Education Co-operative
The Health and Education Co-operative has a Preparing to become a prescriber course. The course licence costs £23.00 for 1 year.
This course has a modular approach; you can work through each of the 9 modules in your own time and at your own pace. If you wish, you can then check your understanding through the quizzes at the end of each section. Alternatively, optimise your study time: go straight to the quizzes and identify your knowledge gaps and the sections you need to focus on.
- Centre for pharmacy postgraduate education (CPPE)
The CPPE Prescribing learning gateway has links to useful resources about pharmacist independent prescribing.
The CPPE Return to prescribing programme runs over a three month period with three interactive online workshops. It is open to any pharmacist prescriber registered in England who needs to regain the competence and confidence to prescribe.
Core clinical learning – CPPE has a comprehensive range of topics that will help you to update your knowledge and skills in preparation for your IP course.
Avon LPC independent prescribing survey
If you are a pharmacist working in the Avon LPC area, please complete the Avon LPC independent prescribing survey, whether or not you are already an IP, are training now, are planning to train as an IP or do not plan to train as an IP. If you have already completed the survey there is no need to repeat it.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of becoming a pharmacist independent prescriber, please contact Anne Cole, Independent Prescribing project manager, Avon LPC. Email: anne.avonlpc@gmail.com
Useful Resources: