A clinical pharmacist is a healthcare professional who works in hospitals and other healthcare settings, such as general practice (primary care), providing expert advice on the safe and effective use of medicines to patients and healthcare staff. They work with other members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
The position is one of several new clinical jobs created to reduce pressure, relieve workforce shortages, and add value to the practice and patients’ lives.
To become a clinical pharmacist in a primary care setting, you will need to complete an accredited master’s degree in pharmacy. Once you have graduated, you will need to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC) as a pharmacist. After this, you can undertake postgraduate study in clinical pharmacy if you wish to specialize in this area.
Alternatively, you can complete on-the-job training through hospital rotations or other clinical placements. Whichever route you choose, it is important to gain experience in a variety of clinical settings to develop your skills and knowledge.
What is a clinical pharmacist’s job description?
There is no standard job description for clinical pharmacists, although NHS England has published a broad definition and several of the general practices that have employed clinical pharmacists have created job descriptions.
As a clinical pharmacist, you will be responsible for ensuring that patients receive the safest and most effective medicines possible. You will need to have a good understanding of how medicines work in the body, how they interact with each other, and what the potential side effects are. You will also need to be able to give clear and concise advice to patients and other healthcare professionals.
Your day-to-day duties as a clinical pharmacist may include the following clinical pharmacy services:
- Reviewing patient medication records
- Issuing repeat prescriptions and answering prescriptions queries
- Running specialist clinics such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma
- Independent prescribing
- Conducting telephone consultations
- Managing patient hospital discharge summaries
- Identifying and resolving medication errors
- Providing advice on the safe and effective use of medicines
- Carrying out medicine use reviews
- Providing patient education
- Monitoring patients for adverse effects
- Undertaking research projects
- Supervising pharmacy technicians and students.
In order to provide the best clinical pharmacy services for patients, clinical pharmacists need to have a strong understanding of both medical and pharmaceutical sciences. They must also be excellent communicators, able to build rapport with patients and other healthcare professionals alike.
If you are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and want to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment, then a career as a clinical pharmacist could be for you.
Benefits of clinical pharmacists
The results of a successful pilot indicated that general practice clinical pharmacists are helping patients in a significant way. Since it began in 2015, the NHS England Clinical Pharmacists in General Practice Programme has employed over 1000 Full-Time Equivalent clinical pharmacists throughout the country.
Examples of the benefits of a clinical pharmacist include;
- Saving clinical time and reduced workload- this allows other clinicians like GPs to deal with more complex cases
- Improve access to healthcare and health outcomes for patients by utilizing independent prescribing qualification
- A more profitable GP practice – by ensuring all QOF requirements are met
- Reduce NHS spending budget by lowering hospital admissions – reduce referrals and unplanned admissions
How to be a good clinical pharmacist
In order to work confidently and competently as a clinical pharmacist – you will need to develop clinical skills, i.e., history taking, clinical reasoning and clinical examination, and gain an independent prescribing qualification. In addition, you will need to build on your existing medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry and consider gaining an independent prescribing qualification.
How to develop clinical skills in history taking and clinical reasoning?
If you want to develop clinical skills in history taking and physical examination, the best way to learn is through hands-on experience. This can be obtained by working with different patients in a variety of settings. Observing experienced clinicians and practising under their supervision will also help you to develop these essential skills.
In order to become proficient in clinical skills such as history taking and physical examination, it is important to have a solid foundation in basic sciences. A strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology will help you to understand how the body works and why certain symptoms may be present. In addition, knowledge of pathophysiology will enable you to better identify diseases and conditions.
Once you have a strong foundation in the basic sciences, you can begin to develop your clinical skills. There is no substitute for hands-on experience, so it is important to work with as many patients as possible. Observing experienced clinicians and practising under their supervision are also great ways to learn. If you can get a rotation in a hospital or clinic, this will give you the opportunity to work with a variety of patients and hone your skills.
Developing clinical skills takes time and effort, but it is well worth it. These skills are essential for any clinician, and by mastering them, you will be able to provide better care for your patients.
Clinical reasoning skills
Clinical reasoning is the process of making decisions about patients’ care. Clinical pharmacists use clinical reasoning skills to assess patients, identify problems, and come up with solutions. They also use these skills to communicate effectively with patients and their families. Clinical reasoning skills are important because they allow nurses to provide the best possible care for their patients.
Why are clinical reasoning skills important?
Clinical reasoning skills are important for clinical pharmacists because they allow them to provide the best possible care for their patients. Pharmacists need to be able to assess patients’ conditions, identify problems, and come up with potential solutions. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with patients and their families.
There are a few different elements that make up clinical reasoning skills. First, pharmacists need to be able to gather information about their patients. This includes taking patient history, reviewing lab results, and observing patients’ symptoms.
Second, pharmacists need to be able to analyze this information and identify potential problems. Third, pharmacists need to come up with potential solutions to these problems. Finally, pharmacists need to be able to communicate their findings and recommendations to patients and their families.
How do you develop clinical reasoning skills?
One way to develop clinical reasoning skills is by reading articles and case studies. This can help healthcare workers learn about different diseases and conditions, as well as how to best treat them.
Additionally, attending workshops and conferences can also be beneficial, as they provide a forum for networking and learning from other healthcare professionals.
Finally, practising mock scenarios is another great way to develop clinical reasoning skills. This allows healthcare workers to put their knowledge to the test and see how they would fare in real-life situations. By taking the time to develop clinical reasoning skills, healthcare workers can be better prepared to handle any situation that may arise.
How to develop human anatomy knowledge for clinical pharmacists
Human anatomy is the study of the structure and function of the human body. It can be divided into two main branches: gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy.
Gross anatomy is the study of large structures, such as bones and muscles, while microscopic anatomy is the study of small structures, such as cells and tissues.
Human anatomy can be studied in a number of ways, including taking classes, reading articles and books, and practising dissections. When it comes to developing knowledge of human anatomy, there are a variety of different ways to do so.
One way to develop human anatomy knowledge is by taking classes. This can be done at the undergraduate or graduate level. Students who take classes on human anatomy will learn about the structure and function of the human body. They will also learn how to identify different structures. Additionally, students who take classes on human anatomy will often have the opportunity to dissect cadavers. This gives them a hands-on experience that can be very beneficial.
Another way to develop human anatomy knowledge is by reading articles and books on the topic. This can be a great way to learn about the different structures of the human body and how they work together. Additionally, reading about human anatomy can help students to better understand the material that is covered in classes.
Finally, as mentioned, practising dissections are also a great way to develop human anatomy knowledge. This is because it allows students to see the different structures of the human body up close. Additionally, it can help students to better understand the material that is covered in classes.
How do you develop knowledge in physiology?
Physiology is the study of how the body works. It can be divided into a number of different branches, such as cell physiology, gastrointestinal physiology, and renal physiology.
When it comes to developing knowledge in physiology, there are a variety of different ways to do so. One way to develop knowledge in physiology is by taking classes. This can be done at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Students who take classes on physiology will learn about how the different systems of bodywork. They will also learn about how to identify different structures. Additionally, students who take classes in physiology will often have the opportunity to conduct experiments. This can be a great way to gain a hands-on understanding of the material.
Another way to develop knowledge in physiology is by reading articles and books on the topic. This can be a great way to learn about the different systems of the body and how they work together. Additionally, reading about physiology can help students to better understand the material that is covered in classes.
Finally, talking to other scientists who study physiology can also be a great way to develop knowledge in the field. This is because they can offer insights into the different systems of the body and how they work together. Additionally, talking to other scientists can help students to better understand the material that is covered in classes.
Clinical pharmacist preparation
Below is a brief list of how to best prepare to work as a clinical pharmacist;
Get a sense of the practice’s culture and style – Meet coworkers and patients. – Learn how to work with GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants
Meet with the reception team to see how things are done. Learn about the practice and community; get to know one another; learn how appointments are booked and handled, as well as triaged.
Meet with the link clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) pharmacist – this may be helpful.
Attend multidisciplinary team meetings to meet other professionals and network.
System 1, EMIS, and other similar systems may require training in order to use them efficiently; therefore, consider getting trained by the practice team.
Organize your week as agreed. Look at clinics, walk-ins, and any other commitments.
Ensure you’re insurance is up to date and covers your current activities
Make yourself familiar with practice procedures and crib sheets, such as for diabetes or hypertension – Collaborate with the nurse team by explaining how they want things done, encouraging concerns
How much does it cost to be a clinical pharmacist?
The cost of becoming a clinical pharmacist can vary depending on a number of factors. First, the type of degree you pursue is an important factor. A master’s degree in pharmacy typically costs between £50,000 and £75,000, while a doctoral degree can cost upwards of £150,000. Additionally, you may need to pay for certification exams and licensure fees.
Despite these costs, many pharmacists find that the high level of responsibility and interesting work they do make it all worthwhile. They help patients manage their medication therapy, ensure the safety and efficacy of medications, and provide valuable clinical services to patients across a range of health care settings. So if you are passionate about working in the field of pharmacy, the cost of becoming a clinical pharmacist is well worth it in the long run.
How much does a clinical pharmacist earn?
Clinical pharmacist salaries can vary greatly depending on many different factors. Some of these factors can include years of experience, type of practice setting, and geographical location. Clinical pharmacists who work in hospitals tend to make more money than those who work in retail or other practice settings. Additionally, those who live in major metropolitan areas often make more than those who live in rural areas.
Clinical pharmacist salaries can also be affected by the type of patients they see. Those who work in outpatient settings make more money than those who work in inpatient settings. Additionally, those who treat more complex patients often make more money than those who treat less complex patients. Finally, clinical pharmacists with more experience often make higher salaries than those who are just starting out in their careers.
Overall, there are a variety of factors that can influence the salary of a clinical pharmacist. Regardless of these factors, however, it is clear that clinical pharmacists play an essential role in patient care and can be very well compensated for their work.
If you are interested in working as a clinical pharmacist, it is important to consider these different factors when determining your salary expectations. By carefully evaluating your own qualifications and the job market for clinical pharmacists in your area, you can determine what type of salary you should expect and take steps to achieve this level of compensation.
Is a clinical pharmacist a doctor?
A clinical pharmacist is not a doctor, but they have similar responsibilities and play an important role in patient care. Clinical pharmacists work with doctors and other medical professionals to help patients manage their medication therapy and ensure the safe and effective use of medications. They also provide valuable clinical services to patients across a range of health care settings. While they do not have the same level of medical training as doctors, clinical pharmacists are experts in the field of pharmacy and medication use. This makes them an invaluable asset to any medical team. As such, many clinical pharmacists are well compensated for the important work they do.
Can you be a clinical pharmacist and a doctor?
There is a lot of debate in the medical community about whether it is possible to be both a clinical pharmacist and a doctor. Some people argue that it is not possible, while others believe that it is entirely possible to achieve both goals at the same time. Ultimately, the answer depends on what you want out of your career as a clinical pharmacist. However, there are some specific factors to consider when deciding if you want to become a doctor in addition to being a clinical pharmacist.
One of the biggest arguments against becoming a doctor in addition to being a clinical pharmacist is that it takes many years of schooling and training. Becoming a clinical pharmacist typically requires around five years of education, while becoming a doctor requires an average of six years of schooling. This can make it difficult to manage both careers at the same time, especially if you also have other commitments such as a family or a full-time job. However, for some people, the extra training and education are worth it for the increased opportunities and career satisfaction that they can bring.
Another factor to consider is the salary difference between pharmacists and doctors. The median annual salary for a pharmacist is £45,000. In contrast, the median annual salary for a doctor is £100,000. This means that there is a significant difference in earnings potential between these two professions, which can make it difficult for some people to manage both careers. However, for others, the increased earning potential of being a doctor may be worth the additional years of schooling and training required.
Ultimately, whether or not you can be a clinical pharmacist and a doctor depends on what you want out of your career. If you are willing to put in the extra years of schooling and training, then it is possible to achieve both goals. However, if you are looking for a more manageable career path, then becoming a clinical pharmacist may be the better option for you. Whichever path you choose, make sure that you consider all of the factors involved before making your decision.
