The why and how of a change shaping the future of community pharmacy

In this episode, we explore the Community Pharmacy Pathfinder Prescribing Initiative with guests Reena Barai (a community pharmacist delivering the pathfinder service), Dina Thakker (an ICB lead supporting local implementation) and Vijay Saravanan (a representative from NHS England leading on the national pathfinder programme).

We look why the pathfinder was launched, and the potential of independent prescribing in community pharmacy. You’ll hear honest reflection on the challenges of implementing the pathfinder, practical learning on what worked and what could be better, and a look ahead to wider service rollout.

Resources

• CPPE, Prescribing learning gateway

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Learning outcomes

By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:

• Describe the purpose, structure and strategic drivers of the Community Pharmacy Pathfinder Prescribing Initiative, including how it fits within the wider NHS landscape.
• Analyse the benefits and challenges of implementing prescribing services in community pharmacy from practice, system and national perspectives.
• Reflect on and apply shared learning and success factors to their own role or organisation when considering the development or support of community pharmacy prescribing services.