Protected time pilot (phase 2)

Pharmacists are crucial professionals within the healthcare system. Their role is continually evolving, and they are being given increasing responsibilities. Continued Professional Development (CPD) for pharmacists helps to ensure they keep pace with their evolving role, however at present, there is no provision for CPD in the NHS contract for pharmacists working in community settings.

The CUREMeDE team recently undertook an evaluation of a protected time programme that enabled pharmacists to access training and development opportunities, and access funding to cover backfill for service provision. One finding from this study was that many pharmacists accessing protected time were Independent Prescribers (IP) and had used the time to expand their scope of practice and provide additional services within their pharmacy.

The purpose of this second phase of the protected time programme is to provide protected time solely to IP pharmacists to support and/or expand their scope of practice in community pharmacy settings.

Protected time is being provided to approximately 30 IP pharmacists across two Health Boards in Wales. The IP pharmacists will be able to access up to five days of protected time and decide how this time is utilised. IP pharmacists may seek a mentor to support them in their development, and also access a series of knowledge-based resources.

This study will explore how IP pharmacists make use of their five days of protected time and its impact on their scope of practice and confidence in providing IP services.