National Pharmacy Association Workbook Brings GPs And Community Pharmacists Together, UK

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Also Included In: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 05 Nov 2008 - 2:00 PST

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The workbook published by the NPA and the BMA - Improving communication between community pharmacy and general practice - is, as intended, helping to facilitate local dialogue between these two professional groups, with the ultimate aim of improving patient care.

Central Lancashire LPC used this communication tool to lead an interactive meeting with members of Lancashire LMC. Discussion groups considered repeat dispensing, MUR, PBC and Integrated Care Pilots.

Liz Stafford, Vice-Chair of Central Lancs LPC, reported a very positive outcome: "Feedback was given from each group at the end of the session. Following a more general discussion it was then agreed that LMC and LPC should work more closely together to submit joint service bids and also to submit a joint LPC/LMC submission to the Pharmacy White Paper consultation."

Ian Facer, Chairman of Central Lancs LPC said: "The Pharmacy White Paper highlighted the importance of relationship building between community pharmacists and GPs - this workbook is an ideal way to take the initial steps."

Gareth Jones added that: "Demand for this workbook has been exceptionally high, and I understand that there are plans for other LPCs to meet with LMCs for workshops based on its use. I hope that there will be many more such encouraging results."

The workbook describes various Community Pharmacy-GP interactions, and highlights some principles of good practice. The intention is that groups of pharmacists and GPs should work through this book together to identify local challenges and formulate solutions.

The workbook and facilitators' notes are available to download from the members' area of http://www.npa.co.uk and from the BMA website.

Source

Geraldine Clark
Press Manager
National Pharmacy Association Ltd
Mallinson House, 38-42 St Peter's St, St Albans AL1 3NP
http://www.npa.co.uk