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PCN Clinical Pharmacist Role
What is a PCN Clinical Pharmacist Role?
Examples of how to use the golf term Albatross
- Conduct structured medication reviews for patients with complex polypharmacy needs
- Implement deprescribing strategies to reduce inappropriate medication use
- Collaborate with community pharmacies to improve medicines optimisation
- Provide clinical leadership on prescribing safety and quality improvement
- Support care home residents through dedicated medication reviews and oversight
Examples of how to use the golf term Albatross
- The PCN Clinical Pharmacist performed a comprehensive medication review to identify potential drug interactions affecting the patient's menstrual cycle.
- Women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding can schedule consultations with the PCN Clinical Pharmacist to discuss medication options.
- The PCN Clinical Pharmacist collaborated with the practice nurse to develop a pathway for managing hormonal treatments that affect menstruation.
What does PCN Clinical Pharmacist Role mean?
The PCN Clinical Pharmacist Role refers to specialist pharmacists employed within Primary Care Networks who provide expert medication services in GP practices. These professionals conduct medication reviews, manage long-term conditions, optimise prescribing, and deliver patient-facing clinical services, reducing GP workload while improving patient care and medication safety in primary care settings across the NHS.
What qualifications do PCN Clinical Pharmacists need?
PCN Clinical Pharmacists must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and typically hold a Master's degree in Pharmacy (MPharm). Additionally, they need to complete or be undertaking the Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP) or equivalent postgraduate clinical training. Many also possess Independent Prescriber qualifications and relevant experience in patient-facing clinical roles, with ongoing CPD requirements to maintain their specialist skills.
How do PCN Clinical Pharmacists improve patient care?
PCN Clinical Pharmacists improve patient care through several mechanisms: conducting structured medication reviews to optimise treatment; providing accessible consultations for medication concerns; managing long-term conditions through monitoring and adjustment of medicines; reducing inappropriate polypharmacy; identifying and preventing adverse drug reactions; supporting safe prescribing; educating patients about their medications; and facilitating smoother transitions of care between healthcare settings.
What is the difference between a PCN Clinical Pharmacist and a Community Pharmacist?
While both are registered pharmacists, PCN Clinical Pharmacists work primarily within GP practices as part of the clinical team, focusing on medication optimisation, patient consultations, and complex clinical care. Community Pharmacists typically work in high street pharmacies, focusing on dispensing medications, providing over-the-counter advice, and delivering public health services. PCN Clinical Pharmacists generally have advanced clinical training, often with prescribing qualifications, and spend more time on direct patient care rather than dispensing activities.
How are PCN Clinical Pharmacists funded in the NHS?
PCN Clinical Pharmacists are funded through the NHS England Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), which was introduced as part of the Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES). This scheme provides 100% reimbursement of salary and on-costs (up to maximum amounts) for eligible roles, enabling Primary Care Networks to expand their multidisciplinary teams. The funding is part of the NHS Long Term Plan commitment to invest in primary care workforce development and improve patient access to specialist healthcare professionals.
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