Exploring enablers and barriers to pharmacists becoming designated prescribing practitioners

Abstract

The introduction of the Initial Education and Training Standards for Pharmacists reforms outlined that trainee pharmacists will be able to qualify as independent prescribers (IPs) on registration from 2026. To enable this transformation, sufficient numbers of designated prescribing practitioners (DPPs) are required to supervise the IP element of their training. A regional survey identified 12 DPPs, which highlights a potential workforce challenge. This study expanded on the findings of the survey, aiming to explore the experiences of DPPs to understand how to increase capacity and inform the next steps towards implementing the reforms. In a descriptive, qualitative study, a series of two focus groups were conducted with DPPs and a chief pharmacist. Training and funding of DPPs was reported as the key enabler to increasing capacity whilst time constraints was the most significant barrier. Cross-sector supervision was considered possible provided there was time and funding. NHS England Workforce, Transformation and Education Directorate (NHSE WT&E) are a national organisation leading on this work stream and should consider targeting some of the immediate enablers (training and funding) and barriers (time) as identified from this study to increase DPP capacity in preparation for 2026. NHSE WT&E should consider developing plans to address other important themes identified such as whether DPPs can provide supervision cross-sector supervision as well as funding showing that the themes identified do not exist in isolation but intricately linked to one another.