Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

To assist practices to develop a pattern of prescribing that is optimised for quality, minimises risk, is evidence based, financially sustainable and meets regulatory requirements

At practice level lead in the implementation of local and national policies relating to medicines management

Promote and positively influence the use of the BNSSG formulary within BNSSG GP practices to encourage cost-effective evidence-based prescribing.

Challenge prescribers about the appropriateness of their prescribing to bring it in-line with local and national guidelines, and BNSSG formularies.

Undertake implementation of the ICB medicines management strategy at practice level

Responsible for working with practices to manage their practice prescribing budget, using various data sources

Analyse and interpret highly complex data (ePACT data, financial reports and trial data) for the relevant GP practices and report prescribing trends which may need to be investigated.

Develop and implement data collection systems that will provide accurate and timely data.

Present information and issues, explaining highly complex issues, to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

Take action to tackle prescribing practices that are identified as not of optimum quality, not evidence-based or not financially sustainable.

Develop audits to critically evaluate the prescribing and utilisation of medicines.

Facilitate change in those practices that are under-performing against prescribing targets

Work with designated GP practices t to agree a short-term, medium term and long-term work plan, using initiative to managing workload and meet ICB and practice deadlines.

Be a point of contact as expert knowledge to answer day-to-day queries related to prescribing and medicines management from GPs and other healthcare professionals

To carry out any other duties related to improving the prescribing process within practices.

To conduct patient medication reviews where appropriate including, face-to-face consultation

Use expert clinical knowledge to identify pharmaceutical care issues for patients, such as identifying unnecessary or ineffective therapy, unmet pharmaceutical needs, monitoring requirements, incorrect dosing or times of administration, contraindications, side-effects and complications arising from polypharmacy or drug interactions

Assess and identify problems with concordance including practical issues with taking medications for patients, e.g. manual dexterity, visual impairment, cognitive impairment, swallowing difficulties, ordering and collection of prescriptions. Liaise with other healthcare professionals to find appropriate solutions

Take a lead in the coordination of training & development as delegated by line manager

Contribute to the short and medium term business plans, achieving quality outcomes

The post holder will be required to maintain constructive and collaborative relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

Person Specification

Knowledge, Training and Experience

Essential

• Bachelor / Master of Pharmacy Degree
• Clinical Post-graduate qualification or equivalent experience
• Current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Experience of working in primary care, secondary care or ICB setting post qualification
• Good understanding of the NHS structure and how this impacts primary care.
• Budget management knowledge
• Good knowledge and understanding of audit methodology.
• Demonstrable experience working with clinicians, challenging clinicians and influencing change
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to use own initiative
• Wide-ranging and comprehensive pharmaceutical, therapeutic and clinical knowledge
• Knowledge of medicines optimisation issues affecting primary care, including NICE, local Formularies, local guidance development, patient group directions and legal frameworks relating to medicines.

Desirable

• Membership of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
• Experience of successfully delivering and managing projects
• Experience of delivering training or education sessions to various staff groups.
• Knowledge of GP practice computerised prescribing systems

Communication Skills

Essential

• Clearly and succinctly communicates with GPs, prescribers, allied health care professionals and patients using well-developed interpersonal, verbal, written and presentation skills to impart complex information and data.
• Can demonstrate developing facilitation, negotiating and influencing skills

Analytical

Essential

• Well-developed Critical appraisal skills with the ability to communicate findings appropriate to the audience
• Good analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to analyse and interpret financial/ budgetary / prescribing information such as ePACT data
• Working knowledge of Microsoft office with intermediate keyboard skills to write reports, documents and present data

Planning Skills

Essential

• Able to demonstrate excellent organisational skills, and an ability to prioritise time-sensitive projects and to work to deadlines

Autonomy

Essential

• Demonstrated capabilities to manage own workload and make informed decisions in the absence of required information, working to tight and often changing timescales

Equality & Diversity

Essential

• The promotion of equality of opportunity and good working relations (providing practical leadership)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board

Address

NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB

Floor 2, North Wing, 100 Temple Street

Bristol

BS1 6AG

Employer's website

https://bnssg.icb.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)