Changes to transform the initial education and training of pharmacists are being introduced so they can play a much greater role in providing clinical care to patients and the public from their first day on the register, including through prescribing medicines.
The PDA has been closely engaging with stakeholders as the proposals have been developed. As a structural shift in both the initial education and the post-registration lifetime, a continuing development process is needed to prepare pharmacists to undertake a greater role in providing pharmaceutical care which is envisaged in all UK countries.
During the development of the changes, the PDA contributed to a series of consultation meetings held by the regulator and submitted a paper to the GPhC setting out some points and key questions for consideration as the review progressed. This paper highlighted that an integral part of the reforms must be in the embedding of equality issues within the whole process that the GPhC oversees and removing the current attainment gap present at institutions that provide the MPharm degree course.
The GPhC is currently working with Health Education England (HEE), NHS Education Scotland (NES) and Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), pharmacy schools and other key organisations to gradually implement changes to Initial Education and Training over the coming years.
Collette Bradford, Director of Organising and Engagement at the PDA, said: “It is important to note that the 2021/22 Foundation Training Year, which will impact on pre-regs this summer 2021, is a transitional year. The GPhC has developed and published a set of interim learning outcomes for this cohort.”
“The PDA calls for the changes to Initial Education and Training to be properly funded and IP supervisors, mentors and others involved in the delivery of the new standards and learning outcomes to be trained and supported through the change process, in order that they may provide a seamless and supportive training experience for each cohort of students and trainees.”
“The PDA reiterate that the underpinning knowledge and skills for independent prescribing must be woven through the five years of education and training with appropriate supervised practice during the training year.”
New information is available on the GPhC website explaining what is changing and what this means for trainee pharmacists, training sites and designated supervisors.
Related Links
- 2021-22 Foundation training year
- GPhC FAQ explaining the changes introduced in the 2021/22 Foundation training year
- A set of interim learning outcomes for the 2021/22 foundation training year
- Major reforms to the initial education and training of pharmacists
- Update on the Initial Education and Training Reforms