NHS priorities

Whether it’s to prepare for the next Pharmacy Quality Scheme deadline, or to increase your confidence in helping people with a learning disability, this section provides topic-specific pages that link to current NHS priorities. This section will support you in keeping your knowledge and skills up to date in order to provide high-quality pharmacy services and be service-ready.

Clinical pharmacy

Our clinical portfolio is expanding on a frequent basis, helping you to advance your knowledge and skills and deliver medicines optimisation in practice for all sectors of pharmacy. From two new focal points a year to our small group learning for hospital pharmacists – Optimise – this section focuses on clinical pharmacy, diseases and therapeutics.

Public health

The public health agenda is embedded in pharmacy, yet topics such as emergency contraception or stop smoking support are as prevalent as ever. As well as our public health workshops, use this section to access a wide range of resources to assure and maintain your competence, all underpinned by the Declaration of Competence system.

CPPE: Pharmacy Conversations

Dive into the world of pharmacy with Pharmacy Conversations – a CPPE podcast series dedicated to bringing you insightful discussions with leading experts and innovators who are shaping the future of our profession. Each episode covers a range of topics critical to the evolving role of pharmacy professionals, including leadership, patient safety, prescribing, and much more.

Subscribe via Apple podcasts, Android or Spotify.

E7
Building well-being and resilience in pharmacy with Rachael Lemon
Description:
In this episode of CPPE Pharmacy Conversations, host Jo Lane is joined by Rachael Lemon, a highly regarded pharmacy professional and leadership coach. Together, they explore the critical topics of well-being and resilience in pharmacy practice—essential skills for navigating the high-pressure environment of healthcare.Rachael shares insights from her career journey, discussing how pharmacy professionals can set boundaries, develop personal resilience, and foster a supportive team culture. She highlights practical strategies to maintain well-being, prevent burnout, and cultivate leadership skills at all levels.Whether you're a pharmacist, pharmacy technician, trainee or part of a wider healthcare team, this episode offers valuable strategies to help you thrive, rather than just survive, in your role.Listen now and take the first step toward a more resilient and sustainable pharmacy career!Learning OutcomesAfter listening to this episode, you will be able to: Recognise the impact of workplace pressures on well-being and resilience and understand the importance of self-care in delivering high-quality patient care.Apply practical strategies to manage workload effectively, including setting boundaries and saying ‘no’ when necessary.Develop techniques to foster a positive and supportive work culture, ensuring pharmacy teams can thrive even in demanding environments.Resources MentionedAssociation of Pharmacy Technicians (APTUK) APTUK and Pharmacy Support pharmacy technicians factsheetCalm app for sleep, mediation and relaxationCPPE guide 'Being resilient'CPPE guide 'De-stress you' CPPE guide 'Overcoming anxiety' CPPE guide 'Work life balance' Insight Timer guided meditation Mental Health First Aide EnglandMINDPharmacist SupportResilience Research CentreRoyal Pharmaceutical Society one-to-one support(for RPS members)The Mindful Movement YouTube channel – guided meditations We hope you enjoyed this episode of CPPE Pharmacy Conversations! Your feedback and ideas are invaluable to us. If you have thoughts on today’s discussion or suggestions for future topics, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via feedback@cppe.ac.uk. Or complete this feedback form - we read every response!Don’t forget to subscribe and share the podcast with your colleagues to keep the conversation going. Let’s shape the future of pharmacy together!Stay connected for new series of podcast episodes by subscribing to CPPE Pharmacy Conversations on Spotify and other podcast platforms.
Released:
2025-03-19
Duration:
00:52:00
E6
Deprescribing demystified: Optimising care through shared decision and multidisciplinary collaboration
Description:
Join us for the last episode of Season 1! We hope you’ve enjoyed the conversations as much as we have – and Season 2 is just around the corner! So, without further ado…Join hosts Jo Lane and Hayley Berry as they navigate deprescribing – the process of safely reducing or stopping medications that may no longer be beneficial. Joining them are two esteemed experts: Clare Howard and Jonathan Underhill, who share their wealth of experience and practical insights.You’ll walk away with actionable guidance on deprescribing initiatives, shared decision making and the collaborative roles of multidisciplinary teams.The discussion explores: The urgency and importance of deprescribing in managing polypharmacy for older adults Shared decision making as a cornerstone for person-centred care Strategies and tools, such as the Polypharmacy Comparators and structured medication reviews, for prioritising and managing deprescribing efforts Real-world examples of deprescribing preventing patient harm and improving outcomes Roles of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and the broader healthcare team in driving cultural and systematic changeTune in for an enlightening discussion filled with expert advice, practical tips and inspiring stories that showcase the transformative potential of deprescribing in modern pharmacy practice.Learning outcomes Describe the principles of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics, including how genetic variations influence a person’s response to medicines and the implications for personalised care Recognise examples of pharmacogenomic testing and explain how genomic insights can optimise treatment and reduce medication-related harm Evaluate the resources and training opportunities available to enhance genomic literacy and implement strategies to integrate genomic medicine into pharmacy practiceResources mentionedCPPE, Structured medication review e-courseCPPE, Shared decision making e-courseHealth Innovation Network, Polypharmacy programmeHealth Innovation Wessex, Polypharmacy QI postersNHSBSA, Polypharmacy prescribing comparatorsNICE, Shared decision making guidelinesHad a listen? Let us know what you think.Find CPPE: Homepage | LinkedIn | Facebook
Released:
2025-02-14
Duration:
01:00:55
E5
Genomics in pharmacy: Unlocking the future of personalised medicine with Emma Groves, Catherine Tucker and Hayley Wickins
Description:
In this episode, hosts Hayley Berry and Jo Lane take us into the fascinating and rapidly evolving world of genomics in pharmacy.Joining the conversation are three leading experts: Emma Groves, pharmacy lead at NHS North East and Yorkshire Genomic Medicine Service Alliance; Catherine Tucker, senior clinical pharmacist at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; and Hayley Wickins, consultant pharmacist in Genomic Medicine at NHS Central and South Genomics. Genomics is transforming healthcare, offering the potential for personalised medicine tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup. Pharmacy professionals are at the forefront of this revolution, integrating genomic insights into their practice to optimise treatment and improve patient outcomes. The discussion explores:The basics of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics, with practical examples.How genomics is influencing personalised treatment, including for conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease.The role of pharmacy teams in implementing genomic testing and supporting patients.Key projects, such as the PROGRESS clinical trial, and insights into how pharmacy professionals can get involved in this exciting field. The guests share their journeys, practical advice, and resources for pharmacy professionals to enhance their genomic literacy and engage with this groundbreaking area of healthcare. Learning outcomesDescribe the principles of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics, including how genetic variations influence a person’s response to medicines and the implications for personalised care. Recognise examples of pharmacogenomic testing and explain how genomic insights can optimise treatment and reduce medication-related harm. Evaluate the resources and training opportunities available to enhance genomic literacy and implement strategies to integrate genomic medicine into pharmacy practice.Resources mentioned British Oncology Pharmacy Association  CPPE:Introduction to genomics in pharmacy e-learning  CPPE:Genomics in pharmacy: an introduction to person-centred consultations e-learningMedicines Learning Portal, PharmacogenomicsNational Genomics Education Programme (NHS England)  NHS Genomic Networks of ExcellenceNHS North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance, PROGRESS project Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Pharmacogenomics – the future of pharmacyUK Clinical Pharmacy Association, Genomics communityIn our next episode… we will focus on deprescribing. Had a listen? Let us know what you think. Find CPPE:Homepage | LinkedIn | X | Facebook  
Released:
2025-01-14
Duration:
00:34:30
E4
Valproate, topiramate and patient safety in pharmacy with Tony Jamieson and Shy Teli
Description:
In this episode of the CPPE Pharmacy Conversations podcast, hosts Jo Lane and Sejal Parikh explore the critical topic of patient safety with a focus on the medicines valproate and topiramate. They are joined by Tony Jamieson, a leading figure in patient safety at NHS England, and Shy Teli, who has been instrumental in developing educational resources around the safe use of valproate. The conversation begins with an introduction to the significance of valproate in treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder, as well as the severe risks associated with its use during pregnancy. We then discuss the complexities of ensuring patient safety, particularly in the context of women of childbearing age who are prescribed valproate. Learning outcomes Describe the risks associated with valproate (and topiramate) use during pregnancy and the critical role pharmacy professionals play in ensuring patient safety through effective communication and engagement. Apply knowledge gained from the episode to demonstrate how to initiate and conduct sensitive conversations with people about valproate, including discussions about contraception and potential side effects. Evaluate the effectiveness of your current patient safety practices and implement strategies to improve the management of medications like valproate and topiramate, utilising resources such as CPPE training materials and national guidelines. Resources and organisations mentioned CPPE, Valproate: the hard conversations focal point workshop CPPE, Consultation skills learning gateway CPPE, Patient safety learning gateway MHRA, Valproate safety measures NICE, Spotlight on valproate prescribing Had a listen? Let us know what you think. In our next episode… we will focus on genomics. Find CPPE Homepage | LinkedIn | X | Facebook
Released:
2024-12-13
Duration:
00:43:12
E3
Meeting the threat of antimicrobial resistance with Fran Garraghan and Dr Kieran Hand
Description:
In this episode of CPPE Pharmacy Conversations, hosts Jo Lane and Rina Babla are joined by two distinguished guests, Fran Garraghan, a consultant pharmacist specialising in antimicrobial stewardship, and Dr Kieran Hand, national pharmacy and prescribing clinical lead for NHS England’s antimicrobial resistance (AMR) program. With World Antimicrobial Resistance Week approaching, this timely discussion delves into one of the most critical public health challenges of our time: antimicrobial resistance. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the national and global landscape of AMR to the specific roles that pharmacy professionals can play in combating the issue. The guests share insights on the current trends, highlight the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and discuss practical initiatives that professionals can take both in hospital settings and community pharmacies. Key topics include: The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance on both national and global levels. The UK’s National AMR Action Plan and its five primary targets, including reducing antibiotic use and raising awareness among healthcare professionals and the public. The role of pharmacy professionals in prescribing, antimicrobial stewardship and educating the public. Practical strategies for engaging healthcare teams and driving change at the local and national levels. Learning outcomes Understand the scope and impact of antimicrobial resistance on global health, identifying key factors driving the rise of resistant infections Analyse the role of pharmacy professionals in antimicrobial stewardship, evaluating current best practices for reducing antibiotic use and implementing antimicrobial resistance strategies Apply effective interventions in daily practice, such as antibiotic prescribing protocols and patient education strategies, to contribute to the national and global goal of reducing antimicrobial resistance Useful resources: CPPE, Antimicrobial resistance learning gateway WHO, World AMR Awareness Week UK Health Security Agency, World AMR Awareness Week 2024 Toolkit Antibiotic Guardian Had a listen? Let us know what you think. In our next episode… we will focus on patient safety. Find CPPE Homepage | LinkedIn | X | Facebook
Released:
2024-11-18
Duration:
00:43:30
E2
The developing roles of pharmacist prescribers with Kayleigh Davison, Suhrab Sayfi and James Williams
Description:
In our second episode, hosts Hayley Berry and Sarah Hounsell dive into the evolving world of pharmacist prescribers, showcasing how pharmacists are increasingly taking on roles that extend beyond traditional pharmacy practices. They speak with three pharmacist prescribers: Kayleigh Davison, Suhrab Sayfi and James Williams – all of whom are making significant contributions across different healthcare settings. Tune in and hear valuable insights for pharmacists considering a move into prescribing, and for anyone interested in the broader implications of pharmacist prescribers in healthcare. Learning outcomes Describe the roles and responsibilities of pharmacist prescribers in various healthcare settings, including primary care, secondary care, and community pharmacy. Analyse the challenges and opportunities associated with pharmacist prescribing and apply this understanding to evaluate the potential benefits of integrating prescribing roles into your practice. Evaluate the necessary steps and qualifications for becoming a pharmacist prescriber and develop a personal action plan to pursue independent prescribing if desired and appropriate for your role. Resources and organisations mentioned CPPE, Prescribing learning gateway CPPE, Preparing to train as an independent prescriber programme CPPE, Extending the scope of prescribing practice e-course CPPE, Coaching support NHS England Workforce, training and education, Independent Prescribing information Primary Care Pharmacy Association (PCPA) Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) UK Clinical Pharmacy Association (UKCPA) Had a listen? Let us know what you think. In our next episode… we will focus on antimicrobial stewardship.    Find CPPE  Homepage | LinkedIn | X | Facebook
Released:
2024-10-25
Duration:
01:02:39
E1
Leadership in pharmacy with Jane Brown and Nicola Stockmann
Description:
The inaugural episode of CPPE's Pharmacy Conversations podcast series dives into the crucial topic of leadership within the profession. In this episode, our hosts Jo Lane and Hayley Berry welcome two distinguished leaders in pharmacy: Jane Brown and Nicola Stockmann. Their conversation explores key trends and exciting innovations in pharmacy, and addresses the importance of continuous professional development and education. Jane and Nicola also discuss how aspiring pharmacy leaders professionals can influence policy and advocate for the profession, and share some personal insights on mentoring and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.   Learning outcomes Describe the career pathways and leadership styles of two prominent pharmacy leaders, including the challenges they have faced and the strategies they used to overcome them.  Analyse the leadership strategies discussed in the episode and apply these strategies to develop your approach to leadership in your professional practice.  Evaluate the importance of mentorship and continuous professional development in pharmacy leadership and formulate a personal plan to seek out mentorship and educational opportunities that support your career development.   Resources mentioned CPPE’s Leadership learning gateway CPPE’s Leading for change programme The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer's Pharmacy leaders’ development programme Coaching support from CPPE Had a listen? Let us know what you thought.   In our next episode… we will focus on prescribing and the evolving role of pharmacy professionals in this critical area. Find CPPE Homepage |  LinkedIn  |  X  |  Facebook 
Released:
2024-09-23
Duration:
00:46:04