Discussing essential topics related to Clinical Pharmacists in General Practice

Dealing with Out of Stock Items Join us for the latest episode of our new podcast series, where we discuss the pressing issue of drug shortages. 💊 In this discussion, Amina Ali and I are joined by today’s guest, Lead pharmacist and Co-Owner Superintendent Pharmacist, Arif Vardalia. Drawing on our own experiences, we delve into the magnitude of drug shortages and discuss strategies for community and general practice pharmacists to collaborate effectively. Our conversation focuses on mitigating these challenges and uncovering practical solutions to ensure patient care remains uninterrupted. Tune in now to deepen your understanding of how we can tackle out of stock items together. You can also watch the episode on our YouTube channel here. To access our free guidance document on navigating drug shortages, click here.

Pharmacy First: What you need to know Join us for the first episode of our brand-new podcast series! 🎙🌟 Kicking off our new series: Collaborative Working: Achieving Clinical Excellence Across Pharmacy Sectors, this first episode explores the highly anticipated topic of Pharmacy First. Is it a risky business? Are pharmacists ready? In collaboration with IP Pharmacist and NCL Training Ambassador, Amina Ali, Ruhina Kassam and I explore this new service and share our advice for the pharmacists getting involved. We also discuss the benefits the service may bring, the challenges that community pharmacists may face, and the support and training packages available. 🎧Tune in now to find out more 📺Alternatively, you can watch the episode here.

Pharmacy First: What you need to know Join us for the first episode of our brand-new podcast series! 🎙🌟 Kicking off our new series: Collaborative Working: Achieving Clinical Excellence Across Pharmacy Sectors, this first episode explores the highly anticipated topic of Pharmacy First. Is it a risky business? Are pharmacists ready? In collaboration with IP Pharmacist and NCL Training Ambassador, Amina Ali, Ruhina Kassam and I explore this new service and share our advice for the pharmacists getting involved. We also discuss the benefits the service may bring, the challenges that community pharmacists may face, and the support and training packages available. 🎧Tune in now to find out more 📺Alternatively, you can watch the episode here.

Beyond the Basics: An Expert GP's Unique Insights on Menopause & HRT for Pharmacists Join us for the latest episode of our clinical series, exploring Menopause and HRT🎙💡 This episode we were joined by Dr Emma Woodcock, an experienced GP with a specialist interest in women’s health. Her diverse roles include being a Partner at Orchard Surgery, the Board Director of Innovations at Primary Care Limited, The Education, Training, and Workforce Development Lead IPC, The Advisor for Additional Roles at Sussex Training Hub, and a Council Member at NAPC. We were also joined by my co-host, Ruhina Kassam, Lead IP Pharmacist who is the Head of Clinical Development at CPS and Lead for Training and Development. In this episode, we went beyond the basics and took the opportunity to delve into testosterone treatment, HRT in over 60s, and the latest guidance regarding progesterone treatment in light of stock shortages. We also address crucial queries about unscheduled bleeding, the right time to stop HRT, and the value of group consultations. 🎙Tune in now for expert advice and practical tips Alternatively, you can watch the full episode here. If you are interested in group consultations, please contact Emma via this email: emmawoodcock@nhs.net 🔗You can also access our comprehensive HRT training programme and free visual summary here: https://cpaweb.org.uk/

Parkinson’s Reviews in Primary Care: Key Insights for Pharmacists Exciting news! We’re back with a brand-new episode of the CPS Podcast🎙 🌟 Join us for the latest episode of our clinical series as we explore the critical topic of Parkinsons with Senior IP Lead Pharmacist, Danny Bartlett, a senior lecturer at the University of Brighton, a National Board member for the RPS, and an Interprofessional Leadership & Educational Fellow HEE. Also adding to the conversation was my co-host, Ruhina Kassam, a Senior IP Pharmacist and the Training and Development Lead at CPS. Together we discussed the common pitfalls pharmacists can face when dealing with this condition, as well as the key areas that need to be addressed when conducting a medication review. We also shared invaluable guidance on when pharmacists should refer patients, and the key red flags to be aware of. 🎙Tune in now to learn more. Alternatively, you can watch the full episode here. If you would like to expand your knowledge further, you can explore our Parkinsons Review training programme here.

Delivering Depression Reviews in Primary Care - Advice for Pharmacists from Specialist Mental Health GP Dr Marc Kay 🎙Tune in to the latest episode of our clinical series as we delve into the vital topic of Depression. To lead this discussion, we were joined by our guest Dr Marc Kay, a GP with a specialist interest in mental health and our host, Ruhina Kassam, the Training and Development Lead at CPS, as she explores this crucial topic. Together, they explore the key indicators and red flags that should prompt referral. Dr Kay then shares some valuable insights into how pharmacists should deal with a patient who expresses thoughts of suicide or self-harm, and how pharmacists can approach these topics sensitively during their consultations. They then conclude the episode by elaborating on how pharmacists can effectively collaborate with GP’s and other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary approach to Depression management. 🎧 Listen now for a comprehensive and insightful discussion of this vital topic. Alternatively, you can watch the full episode here. 🎓 If you would like to expand your knowledge further, we invite you to access our Depression Review training programme here Inspired by this episode, we have also composed a short article which elaborates on the essential elements of effective safety netting in depression reviews. You can read this article here.

Why pharmacists are best placed to conduct Heart Failure reviews in Primary Care Expand your clinical expertise with the latest episode of our new clinical series, where we delve into the topic of Heart Failure management. Join me, along with Ruhina Kassam, a Senior IP Pharmacist and the Training and Development Lead at CPS, as we explore the essential aspects of Heart Failure reviews. Stepping into the guest role this week, I draw on my practical expertise in Heart Failure management, as well as my experience as the clinical lead at CPS and the founder of CPA. Together, we outline what Heart Failure is, its primary symptoms, and its diagnostic process. We highlight the different classifications of Heart Failure and clarify the often confusing area of multiple HF registers and why we have them. We also delve into the essential checks pharmacists must consider when conducting Heart Failure reviews. To conclude, we provide valuable resources and guidance for pharmacists considering Heart Failure reviews as their next step. 🎙Tune in now for a comprehensive and insightful discussion of this vital topic. 📺Alternatively, you can watch the episode here. 🎓You can also access our Heart Failure Review training programme here. Inspired by this podcast, we have composed a short article which highlights the 5 key checks pharmacists must consider when conducting Heart failure reviews. You can read this article here.

Conducting DOAC Reviews in Primary Care: What do you need to know? Join us for the latest episode of our new clinical series, where we dive into the topic of DOACs (Direct Oral Anticoagulants). In this episode, we discuss this topic with Angelina Soliman, a Senior IP Pharmacist who specialises in Atrial Fibrillation and Anticoagulation. Also adding to the conversation is my co-host, Ruhina Kassam, who is a Senior IP Pharmacist and the Training and Development Lead of Clinical Pharmacist Solutions. Together, we explore the benefits of switching your patients from Warfarin to DOACs and we share how pharmacists can determine if their patients are suitable for this switch. We also discuss how to effectively explain these benefits during consultations and the essential counselling points pharmacists need to address. Angelina then sheds some light on the topic of Edoxaban and why it is considered the preferred switch. We then conclude the episode by sharing some valuable resources for pharmacists considering DOAC reviews as their next step. 🎧 Tune in now to expand your knowledge and elevate your practice. 📺Alternatively, you can watch the full episode by clicking here.

Most Pharmacists Miss these Crucial Checks when Reviewing Osteoporosis & Alendronic Acid 🚨 Are you neglecting key assessments during your Medication Reviews? In the latest episode of our new series, we explore the clinical area of Osteoporosis with Adrian Murphy, an experienced Senior IP Pharmacist and an integral member of the Clinical Pharmacist Academy Faculty. Together, we explore the essential checks pharmacists must consider during an Osteoporosis review, while also delving into several other key considerations. These include the duration of treatment, lifestyle assessments, interpreting T-scores, and determining which patients may benefit from a drug holiday. To conclude our discussion, Adrian imparts some invaluable advice and steers pharmacists towards some useful resources. 🎙Tune in now to expand your knowledge and ensure you're providing the best possible patient care. You can also watch the full episode by clicking here. 🎓 Additionally, you can access our comprehensive CMR Osteoporosis training program and explore further by clicking here. Inspired by this episode, we have also composed a short article which provides a guide on how to interpret T-scores for pharmacists. To read this please click here.

A Pharmacist's Guide to Running Diabetes Clinics Start delivering Diabetes Clinics in Primary Care 🎙Continuing our clinical series, this episode explores the clinical area of Diabetes. Join us as we engage in an insightful discussion with Fateha Yasmin, an experienced IP Pharmacist who specialises in Diabetes and has a wealth of experience running clinics. Adding to the discussion was our co-host, Sarah Dekmak, an experienced IP pharmacist who also specialises in Diabetes. Together, we explore what it takes for a pharmacists to run diabetes clinics and the essential skills and knowledge required to run them safely and competently. Additionally, we discuss how non-prescribers can support diabetes clinics, and uncover the key areas that pharmacists need to address during an annual diabetes review. Fateha also emphasises the importance of a patient-focused approach and shares some invaluable advice and resources for pharmacists who are contemplating Diabetes as their next step. This episode is a must-watch for any pharmacists seeking to expand their expertise and optimise their patient care. 🎙Tune in now to learn more! You can also watch the episode by clicking here. 💡Inspired by this episode, we have also composed a short article which shares 5 top tips for pharmacists considering diabetes management as their next step. To read this, please click here.

HRT: Key Considerations for Pharmacists in Primary Care Are you a pharmacist seeking to enhance your expertise in HRT? Join us for the first podcast episode of our brand-new clinical series, dedicated to exploring specific disease areas in each episode. In this first episode, we focus on HRT and are joined by Meropi Stamna, an experienced primary care pharmacist who specialises in women's health and has a particular interest in contraception and HRT. Also adding to the discussion is our co-host Ruhina Kassam, the Service Manager for Clinical Pharmacist Solutions and the Training and Development Lead of Clinical Pharmacist Academy. Throughout this episode, we take a deep dive into HRT, exploring its risks and benefits, menopausal symptoms, common bleeding issues, and crucial checks for patients undergoing HRT reviews. We also shed light on the topic of testosterone replacement therapy, highlighting its distinction from HRT. To top it off, Meropi shares some invaluable advice for pharmacists considering HRT as their specialisation. 🎙Tune in now to expand your knowledge. You can also watch the episode here. 🎓Additionally, if you would like to view our latest free resource on HRT, or the HRT-related courses we have available, please click here. Inspired by this podcast, we have also put together a short article which highlights the key risks and benefits of HRT. To read this, please click here.

The IP Qualification and Beyond Are you considering the IP Qualification as your next step? 🎙In this episode, I explore this topic with Amina Ali, an experienced GP Pharmacist and independent prescriber who also guest lectures at King's College London, specializing in Older People, Frailty, and Polypharmacy. I was also joined by our co-host, Sarah Dekmak, another experienced IP pharmacist who has supported many pharmacists in their pursuit of gaining their IP qualification through our 'Find a DMP' service. Together, we discussed undertaking the IP Qualification, what the IP course doesn't equip you with, and how to start prescribing safely. We also delved into the level of responsibility that prescribing entails, and the importance of high-quality clinical supervision and prescribing within your scope. Additionally, Amina provides listeners with invaluable advice on the value you can add as a prescriber and how this correlates to earning potential. We also discussed the Advanced Practitioners Course and alternative courses for running minor illness clinics. This episode is a valuable resource for any pharmacist contemplating the IP qualification and eager to learn more. 🎙Tune in now or watch the full episode here. Please note: Due to unforeseen technical issues, the sound quality and voices in this podcast may be affected. Inspired by this podcast, we have also put together two short articles: here.here.

The New QOF Requirements 🚨 "New QOF Indicators Unveiled: Navigate the Significant Changes Impacting Pharmacists in Primary Care!" 🚨 New QOF indicators were announced recently and there have been some significant changes that all pharmacists working in Primary care need to understand. In this episode, our host Ruhina Kassam, a senior clinical pharmacist and the Training and Development Lead at CPS, explores this critical topic with today's co-host, Sarah Dekmak. Sarah is the Operations Manager at CPS and a lead IP pharmacist. The two are also joined by today's guest Sarah O'Connor, a clinical pharmacist, and the Digital Transformation Lead for a PCN in Kent. Drawing upon their shared wealth of experience, together they shed light on the new QOF requirements, and how these changes may impact practices. Together they also share some invaluable tips and advice for pharmacists wishing to understand and prepare for these new requirements. 🎙Tune in now to gain insights on this important topic. You can also watch the episode here. Inspired by this podcast, we have also put together a short article which highlights the key clinical changes. You can read this article here.

Pharmacy Technicians in Primary Care In this episode we explore the role of Pharmacy Technicians in Primary Care with Mandeep Bahia, a Pharmacy Technician with over 8 years of experience in the industry. Mandeep’s shares her experience of transitioning into the primary care sector and provides some invaluable advice for technicians seeking to do the same. Together, we also discuss the tasks technicians are responsible for, and we delve into the potential challenges they may face working in a PCN. This episode is an indispensable resource for any pharmacy technician seeking to explore the possibilities of a career in primary care. 🎧Listen now or watch the episode here. Inspired by this episode, we have also put together an article which shares 5 key tips for Pharmacy technicians working in primary care. You can read this article here.

Pharmacist Competency and Maintaining Evidence of Competency You may have heard of increasing cases of pharmacists being investigated by GPhC & CQC regulators as a result of questionable prescribing and non-prescribing practices that potentially pose a risk to patient safety. This has led to increased scrutiny by the regulators and highlighted the importance of pharmacist competency in prescribing practice to ensure pharmacists are practising within their scope. In this episode, our guest Siddiqur Rahman, a GP-based pharmacist prescriber with over 7 years of experience who is also a PDA representative, and Ruhina Kassam, discuss the importance of pharmacist competency with me and how to evaluate and develop it further. We also provide guidance on how to gather evidence of competency and explain the consequences of not being able to justify prescribing decisions. This episode is a must-listen for all pharmacists working in Primary Care looking to enhance their skills and maintain their professional registration. 🎧Listen now to learn more! Alternatively, you can watch the episode here. 💡Inspired by this podcast, we have also composed a short article which outlines 5 key steps that you can use to build and maintain evidence of your competency. You can read this article here.

What a Non-IP Pharmacist Can & Can’t do in Primary Care? In this episode, we discuss this topic with Anzeena Chowdhury, a Non-IP Pharmacist who has recently started a new role as a clinical pharmacist with CPS. We explore Anzeena’s journey transitioning into Primary Care and we discuss the advice she has for any pharmacists who are wishing to do the same. We also look closely at Anzeena’s innovative acronym C.L.I.N.I.C.A.L P.H.A.R.M, which provides a clear framework into what Non-IP Pharmacists can and can’t do within their role. 🎙Tune in now to learn more, or watch the episode here. You can also view & download our free guidance document on the Non-IP Pharmacist role here.

Is Primary Care for you? In this episode I discuss this topic with Ruhina Kassam, who is a Senior Clinical Pharmacist at Clinical Pharmacist Solutions and the Training and Development Lead for Clinical Pharmacist Academy - Drawing upon our own experiences with recruiting, hiring & training. We explore the challenges involved, the type of pharmacists who succeed in this role, and the essential resources and tools available to help you navigate this rewarding yet demanding field. 🎙Tune in now to learn more 📺 Alternatively, you can also watch the episode here.

We spoke to Sundeep Gill who returned to our podcast 18 months later since entering the Primary Care sector. We discussed: • What the clinical competency development looks like for a pharmacist entering this sector. • How to use clinical guidelines. • The importance of managing your time at work and outside of work for self-development. • Who this role is for and whether it was the right decision for Sundeep. Inspired by this episode, we created 10 Top Tips for Pharmacists who are wishing to transition into the Primary Care Sector. To read this article use the link below. https://www.clinicalpharmacistsolutions.co.uk/post/top-10-tips-for-pharmacists-wishing-to-transition-into-the-primary-care-sector

What have I learnt after heading the recruitment process of hiring dozens of pharmacists in the last 12 months alone. After reading through over 300 CVs and applications, interviewing dozens of pharmacists and assessed clinical competencies, I share some insider information on what employers look for in a pharmacist for their PCN or GP surgery.

The theme of this series is all about Clinical Pharmacists in PCNs where we discuss what to expect once you’re in and how to thrive in the role. If you’re thinking about working for a PCN or you’ve recently joined a PCN, this series is for you. Co-hosted by Senior IP Pharmacist Ruhina Kassam, we spoke to PCN Pharmacist Hashaam Raja who shared how he secured a senior Clinical Pharmacist role in less than two years since entering the primary care workforce & without holding an IP qualification yet. In this episode we discussed: The difference between a PCN Pharmacist & a Practice Pharmacist What the day-to-day workload looks like for a PCN pharmacist How to progress from a junior to a senior pharmacist The biggest pitfalls pharmacists new to the role fall into And more!