The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has welcomed the findings of the evaluation of Independent Prescribing in Community Pharmacy Pathfinder Programme by the University of Manchester and ICF International.
RPS England Pharmacy Board chair Tase Oputu said, “This latest evaluation is a renewed call to action for the Government and NHS to unlock the potential of pharmacist prescribing to support the 10-Year Health Plan.
“Making the most of this opportunity depends on commissioning new pharmacist prescribing services, investing in training capacity, and funding protected time for professional development and system leadership.
“Amid significant cuts to Integrated Care Boards, continued pharmacy clinical leadership across the system will be essential to making independent prescribing a success.”
As per the NHS England's Pathfinder Programme, all pharmacists qualifying from September 2026 onwards will enter the General Pharmaceutical Council register as independent prescribers.
This is in anticipation of the government's 10-year health plan, where community pharmacies will be more integrated with primary care and general practice.
The NHS programme allows community pharmacist prescribers in around 200 ‘pathfinder’ sites to deliver prescribing models as part of integrated primary care clinical services.
The researchers who evaluated the programme said that pharmacists reported significant increases in job satisfaction and many felt the programme "saved" them from leaving the sector by allowing them to use their full clinical skills.
The study found that the implementation and long-term viability of this service will be dependent on five key areas: clinical governance, clinical supervision, optimal skill mix, digital infrastructure and a financially viable funding model.
Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) will be instrumental in guiding sites through assurance processes, developing clinical governance, and fostering stronger relationships between GPs, community pharmacy and other stakeholders.
