Optimising the pharmacy team to deliver effective medicines reconciliation during new patient registration: Professional Skills

Caroline Bowyer, Paula Challinor, Kingston Rajiah

Research output: Other contribution

Abstract

After reading this article, you should be able to:

Identify potential risks and appropriate management strategies for new patient registrations with complex medication needs, including those with chronic conditions and those requiring specialist care;
Understand the importance of timely referrals, communication with specialists, and adherence to guidelines in ensuring safe and effective medication management;
Recognise the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centred approaches in addressing the diverse healthcare needs of patients, particularly those from other cultural backgrounds.

Within the primary care pharmacy team, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians work closely
together, with each member playing a distinct yet complementary role. As clinical and
medicines experts, pharmacists are primarily responsible for clinical decision
making, medication review and patient consultation[1]. Pharmacy technicians have a crucial
role, focusing on the operational aspects of medication management, such as medication
reconciliation and prescription queries[2]. They also enhance the delivery of safe, effective
and efficient medication systems using their complementary skill sets and expertise[3,4].
Together, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians enhance the overall efficiency and
effectiveness of medication management processes. Furthermore, pharmacy technicians
play a crucial role in supporting the Care Quality Commission’s primary lines of enquiry,
particularly in areas such as medicines reconciliation and therapeutic drug monitoring[5].
Through their efforts, they ensure that patients receive safe and appropriate medication
therapy, while also addressing regulatory requirements and quality standards.
This article considers how the reconciliation skills of a clinical pharmacy technician can be
used during new GP patient registrations to support safe medicines use.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages8
Publication statusPublished online - 25 Jun 2024

Publication series

NamePharmaceutical Journal
PublisherRoyal Pharmaceutical Society
ISSN (Print)0031-6873

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