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Clinical Pharmacy Team
Improving patient outcomes in Haringey by successfully embedding Clinical Pharmacy expertise into the primary care workforce
The Haringey GP Federation’s Clinical Pharmacy Team was formed in 2018 with just two Senior Clinical Pharmacists. Since then, the team has successfully demonstrated its value to practices and patients alike and has grown in response to demand.
Today, a team of 42 clincial pharmacists and 5 pharmacy technicians works across Haringey’s seven Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and 30+ GP practices as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Consisting of Clinical Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Senior Clinical Pharmacists and led by a Lead Clinical Pharmacist, the team’s primary goal is to improve the health of Haringey’s patients.
The team undertakes a range of patient-focussed activities – including long-term condition management, medication reviews, monitoring of high-risk medication and improving prescribing safety. Patients can have a consultation with a Clinical Pharmacist to discuss their medication and how it relates to their health condition.
Results and Impact
“The consultation with my pharmacist boosted my confidence about how I can and should handle my health and medication. It motivated me into continuing to take responsibility and not drift into bad habits. She did it in a professional manner and all with such kindness” - Patient
- Recruitment and training of pharmacy staff to support local practices.
- Reduction of GP workloads through streamlined repeat prescribing processes.
- Improved prescribing practices and prescribing safety quality indicators
- The team increased appropriate prescribing of anticoagulation. Every 18 months at least 5 patients will be prevented from suffering a stroke for the next 10 years.
- 97% of patients extremely likely to recommend service to family and friends
- 100% of patients say their understanding of medicines has improved since review with pharmacists
Recognition
- HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2023: Shortlisted for the improving medicines safety award. This project looked to improve the prescribing quality of direct oral anticoagulants which are classed as high-risk medications. Of the 3000 patients reviewed collectively by the team, just over 200 were found to be on incorrect doses and were addressed appropriately. The impact of this work included upskilling within the team and potentially reducing the number of gastrointestinal bleeds in patients who may have been over dosed or reducing the risk of stroke for patients who were being under dosed.
- General Practice Awards 2023: Shortlisted for pharmacy team of the year. This project involved a thorough review of inappropriate antipsychotics prescribed in patients with learning disabilities. 9 practices participated in the initiative which included education and training and conducting structured medication reviews for this target population. 160 structured medication reviews were evaluated which resulted in 12% with changes to their medication. This included either stopping or reducing inappropriate prescribing. The impact of this initiative included a heightened team ability in reviewing these patients with health inequalities and complex needs but also potentially preventing harm associated with the medications.