PCN Clinical Pharmacist inRugeley inRugeley PUBLISHED WED 1 MAY 2024

To work as a Primary Care Network (PCN) Clinical Pharmacist in the UK, you will need to possess a mix of clinical knowledge, patient-facing skills, and specific competencies related to the role. Here are the key skills and qualifications typically required:

1. Pharmacist Qualifications:

- A Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy (MPharm).

- Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

2. Clinical Knowledge:

- In-depth understanding of pharmacology, therapeutics, and disease management.

- Awareness of the latest guidelines and treatment pathways for managing chronic diseases.

3. Clinical Experience:

- Experience in a clinical setting, particularly in primary care or community pharmacy, is highly valuable.

- Familiarity with managing long-term conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory diseases.

4. Patient Care Skills:

- Strong communication skills to effectively discuss medications and health concerns with patients.

- Ability to conduct medication reviews, providing education and advice to improve patient adherence.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration:

- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

- Skills in contributing to joint decision-making and care planning.

6. Problem-Solving Skills:

- Analytical thinking to assess patient medication needs and identify potential issues.

- Ability to manage complex medication regimens and make recommendations.

7. IT Skills:

- Proficiency in using electronic health records and other digital tools for clinical documentation and patient management.

8. Understanding of Public Health and Health Inequalities:

- Awareness of the social determinants of health and their impact on patient care.

- Knowledge of public health initiatives and preventive measures in the community.

9. Continuous Professional Development:

- Commitment to ongoing education and training, including attendance at relevant courses and workshops.

- Ability to stay updated with changes in medications, guidelines, and best practices in pharmacy.

10. Leadership Skills (optional but beneficial):

- Experience or knowledge in leading clinical services, initiatives, or training for other staff.

11. Regulatory Knowledge:

- Familiarity with legal and regulatory frameworks governing pharmacy practice in the UK.

12. Prescribing Qualification:

- Optional but highly valuable: obtaining an independent prescriber qualification if you want to prescribe medications within your scope of practice.