What is a Clinical Pharmacist

Clinical Pharmacists are highly qualified experts in medicines and work as part of the general practice team to help people in an array of ways. This includes carrying out structured medication reviews for patients with ongoing health problems and improving patient safety, outcomes and quality of care through a person-centred approach. 

What can Clinical Pharmacists help with?

• Prescribing - not all Pharmacists will be able to do this
• Medication reviews (these can be telephone or face to face appointments)
• Medication queries
• Problems with medications
• Finding alternative medications
• Monitoring hospital letters and discharges
• Managing a patient’s condition holistically
• Ensuring patients get the most out of their medication

The services provided may differ between different surgeries.

Having Clinical Pharmacists in GP practices means that GPs can focus their skills where they are most needed, for example on diagnosing and treating patients with more complex conditions. This helps GPs to manage the demands on their time.

How does the role of the clinical pharmacist differ from that of a community pharmacist?

A Clinical Pharmacist’s role within a GP practice differs markedly from a pharmacist who is based in the community. One of the big changes is that pharmacists based in GP practices are able to update patient’s medical records. For example, when a person has their medication changed at the hospital, the Clinical Pharmacist can update this on their medication record. This includes making sure they start or stop treatment at the right time and ensure they are getting the most out of their medication, to manage their condition appropriately.

Clinical Pharmacists can support patients by advising them about minor illnesses and self-care. They are also responsible for giving people general advice on maintaining good health and preventing long-term disease, as well as ensuring patients are taking their medication correctly and as intended by the prescriber.

Clinical Pharmacists work together with a range of other healthcare professionals, including pharmacists in the community or those in the hospital. A Clinical Pharmacist does not give a patient their medication, this would need to be collected from a community pharmacy in the usual way.

How can patients access advice and support from a clinical pharmacist?

Patients can be booked in to see a Clinical Pharmacist by the surgery in their clinic. They will see a Clinical Pharmacist in the same way they would see their GP or practice nurse, e.g. in a private room. If a patient sees a Clinical Pharmacist, they will still be able to see a GP if they need to.