29 Jul 2024

“Beginning our work on a collaborative future direction” – the UKPPLAB’s latest statement on the strategic vision for the future of pharmacy professional practice

The UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board (UKPPLAB) held its second meeting in July. Sir Hugh Taylor’s (the Independent Chair of the Board) post meeting statement provided an insight into the discussions and objectives for the direction of pharmacy professional practice set by the experts.  

The Board aims to implement the recommendations from the UK Commission on Pharmacy Professional Leadership’s February 2023 report. By facilitating collaboration among professional leadership bodies (PLBs) and specialist professional groups (SPGs), it acts as a unified voice providing strategic direction for UK pharmacy professionals.  

A core focus of the Board is enhancing the standards, education, and practice of pharmacy professionals to benefit patients and address ongoing challenges. Sir Hugh outlined the Board’s commitment to advancing pharmacy practice through strong professional and regulatory standards. This involves bolstering clinical practice and support for pharmacy professionals in achieving their potential, made possible through a close, productive relationship between PLBs and pharmacy regulators. This collaboration aims to bridge gaps in guidance, ensure rigorous patient safety, high-quality care, and support the evolving roles of pharmacy professionals, such as the recent expansion of pharmacy technicians' responsibilities working under PGDs. 

This evolution of professional roles is facilitated by PLBs enhancing professional education and training. The Board recognises that such development is enabled through PLB and SPG collaboration, which is essential to maintaining patient-focused practices and integrating new practices smoothly. Recent exciting updates to development pathways, such as independent prescribing for pharmacists and advancements in post-registration development for pharmacy technicians provide a positive trajectory for pharmacy professional practice and improved patient care. 

Sir Hugh stressed the need for the Board to engage with and support the work in community pharmacy as the heart of healthcare delivery. He highlighted the importance of fostering better collaboration with community pharmacies to provide immediate care and support.  

As well as the local level, Sir Hugh explained that national scale collaboration across the four UK nations is essential for addressing the diverse needs and challenges faced by pharmacy professionals. To help futureproof the scope of practice, the Board recognises the importance of celebrating the differences between professional identities, such as pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, and effectively communicating these to the public. 

The statement established the need for the scope of practice for future pharmacy professionals to be forward-thinking, adaptable and multidisciplinary. With continuous rapid developments in healthcare, the Board is focused on horizon scanning to develop a future-proof framework for professional roles.  

These developments are not possible without strong professional leadership, as Sir Hugh reinforces. The Board has established a sub-committee to support engagement with PLBs and SPGs and promote the importance of professional leadership. Such visible collaboration will instil confidence among pharmacy professionals that progress is being made and leads towards the ultimate goal of increasing active engagement of pharmacy professionals with professional bodies. By developing a sustainable structure for pharmacy professional leadership in the UK, high-quality care and patient safety remain top of mind with forward-thinking discussions to advance pharmacy practice. 

Join us at CPC North on November 1-2 in Manchester where members of the UKPPLAB will be present.  

Read Sir Hugh Taylor’s full statement here: https://jointheconversation.scwcsu.nhs.uk/pharmacy-professional-leadership   

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