Responsibilities and Duties Medication reviews Repeat prescription re-authorisation Processing of hospital discharge letters Processing out-patient treatment requests from specialists Long term condition clinics Qualifications Pharmacy degree Registered with the GPhC Independent prescribing qualification Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development Skills A good clinical knowledge Excellent verbal & written communication skills Ability to engage with patients via telephone and during face to face consultations Good interpersonal and presentation skills High degree of self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative Change management Problem solving Ability to deal diplomatically with conflict or confrontation Capability to work well in a team both within and across organisations Ability to negotiate and influence others Good level of computer literacy and word processing skills Highly Desirable Previous experience in a GP practice and/or hospital environment. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE: Fulfil locally defined outcomes Optimise medicines for patients who are on complex medicine regimes. Improve management of medicines to help reduce adverse effects to medicines. Maximise clinical outcomes for patients by focusing on patient engagement through medication reviews. Reduce potential waste medicines by medicine synchronisation and identifying non-adherent patients. Ensure cost effective use of investment in prescribing by ensuring full utilisation of resources and implementation of change to current prescribing. Key responsibilities Undertake and record reviews of discharge/clinical letters where medication is involved to ensure all changes are accurately recorded on the clinical system and patients contacted where changes to medication have occurred or further tests are required Undertake and record medication reviews with direct patient contact for patients on complex medicine regimes/at high risk of harm from medicines (for example patients prescribed oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, warfarin/NOACs, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, antidepressants, beta-blockers, digoxin, opioid analgesics or aspirin), including patients residing in care homes. Proactively liaise with clinical staff to ensure this service is offered to patients who would benefit from having their medicines optimised Record interventions made during medication reviews using template provided and details of interventions that may have prevented an admission. When undertaking medication reviews, where appropriate, consideration should be given tapering, withdrawing, discontinuing or stopping medications to reduce over-prescribing, adverse drug effects and inappropriate or ineffective medication use by re-evaluating the ongoing reasons for, and effectiveness of medication therapy (de-prescribing). Challenge requests made to prescribe medication outside of local or national guidance Undertake a regular medication related audits and implement any actions identified. Communications & Working Relationship Communicate with staff of all levels in and outside the practice Communicate effectively with clinicians of all disciplines on complex medication issues Lead on forming and maintaining relationships with community pharmacists and other service providers Communicate medication issues to patients and carers showing discretion and understanding Leadership Act as an advocate and care co-ordinator for patients with complex pharmaceutical needs, liaising with clinicians, social care staff and others Act as a local champion for medicines optimisation Promote standards for the quality use of medicines to deliver medicines optimisation and ultimately improved patient outcomes Challenge prescribing decisions of others where these are contrary to accepted guidance or not in the patients best interests Education, training and development To act as an expert in-house resource on medicines optimisation Participate in clinical audit and lead on audit of medicines-related activities e.g. prescribing Develop and deliver appropriate training for non-clinical practice staff and patients regarding medicines use. This to include direct patient contact, therapeutic updates etc. Keep abreast of current drug safety advice and alerts; ensure that relevant audits (i.e. MHRA safety alerts etc.) are carried out and guidance is circulated to GPs, pharmacists and other appropriate personnel in a timely fashion. Provide advice and support regarding necessary action required. Agree, implement and monitor actions required for the medicines management QIPP plan, as requested by the CCG. Meet at least annually with the CCG to discuss the medicines optimisation service, receive updates from CCG and discuss and agree actions required for medicines management audits and QIPP Undertake other medicines optimisation activities (relevant to the defined outcomes for the service ) Contribute to the development and implementation of care pathways within the practice that involve medicines, taking into account national (NICE etc.) and local clinical guidelines, formularies and prescribing policies Work closely with local community pharmacists to facilitate any agreed changes to drug therapy and collaborate on optimising the use of medicines Clinical Maintain professional accreditation and CPD as required by the GPhC. Prescribe acute and repeat medication for patient need within areas of competency.