The PWDS Medicines optimisation for pharmacy support staff training programme has been designed specifically for pharmacy assistants working in patient facing areas and supports those who are looking for opportunities to develop their practice.
The aim of the programme is to ensure pharmacy support staff gain the necessary knowledge and skills to safely undertake the process of establishing the medication requirements of in-patients and to assess their competency in this area. Establishing medication requirements for patients includes, assessing the suitability of a patient’s own drugs for use, making appropriate supply decisions, identification of any discrepancies and issues that may arise and making appropriate decisions and referrals in order to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.
We have some feedback from trainees who have experienced/competed this training programme. Here’s what they said…
‘……The training programme made me realise how important my role was in the team and I learnt lots of things I didn’t know before….lots of in depth elements like professional standards, as well as practical tasks. There are lots of learning and reflective opportunities where you need to cover certain criteria and complexities with patents which were good as a lot of the time you just do things without being aware of the contributions you make the patient and the team.’ M.H, UHNM
‘………I really enjoyed the Medicines optimisation course. It has helped me to gain and improve my knowledge and skills within my ward based role and has helped me to become competent and confident within this role’ HM, Southmead Hospital
For further information and how to apply for the programme please go to the Medicines Optimisation Training Programme for Pharmacy Support Staff page on the PWDS Website. If you have any questions please email the training programme director kate.postle@nhs.net
