Adeem Azhar, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Core Prescribing Solutions, explains how the company’s innovative solutions are helping to tackle challenges within primary care and positively support the healthcare workforce
In the dynamic landscape of the UK’s healthcare system, clinical pharmacy services are pivotal in ensuring high-quality patient care. Core Prescribing Solutions stands at the forefront of addressing critical challenges faced by healthcare providers, particularly in primary care settings.
In this article, we delve into the current challenges, the value of additionality in relation to clinical pharmacy resources, the importance of regulatory compliance, and the transformative impact of technology and innovation. Through case studies and expert insights, we aim to demonstrate Core Prescribing Solutions’ significant contributions to the healthcare sector.
Addressing current challenges in clinical pharmacy services
Recruitment, retention, and deployment of clinical pharmacy services at scale present formidable challenges. The shortage of qualified pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, high turnover rates, and fragmented service delivery impede the ability to provide consistent and high-quality care. Additionally, an ageing population with more complex needs and rising chronic disease prevalence intensify the demand for clinical pharmacy services. Overcoming these barriers requires innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of primary care across the UK.
Demonstrating additionality in workforce development
A cornerstone of our strategy is demonstrating additionality by augmenting the healthcare workforce rather than reallocating existing resources. Integrating dynamic clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians into Primary Care Networks (PCNs) enhances capacity at GP surgeries without causing a ‘brain drain’ across the healthcare system. This approach not only fills existing gaps but also enriches overall care quality, leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery.
Enhancing regulatory compliance
Navigating the complex requirements set by regulatory bodies can be daunting for GP surgeries and Primary Care Networks. Our team plays a crucial role in ensuring clinical practices align with regulatory standards. Comprehensive medication reviews, robust monitoring protocols, and prompt responses to safety alerts significantly reduce the risk of non-compliance. This proactive approach safeguards surgeries against potential penalties, enhancing the overall quality of patient care.
Technology and innovation in clinical pharmacy
The role of technology in enhancing clinical pharmacy services is transformative. We leverage cutting-edge digital health solutions to improve service delivery. AI-driven medication management systems can potentially predict patient needs and optimise resource allocation, resulting in more efficient and effective care. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, our services remain innovative and responsive to evolving healthcare needs.
Collaborative healthcare models
Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for holistic patient care. We foster robust partnerships between community pharmacies, GPs, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to patient management. This collaborative model not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances healthcare delivery efficiency. By placing patients at the centre of care, we ensure personalised and effective treatment plans that address each individual’s unique needs.
Impact on healthcare economics
Our interventions lead to significant cost savings for healthcare providers and the broader healthcare economy. By optimising medication management and reducing unnecessary hospital admissions, we enhance healthcare delivery efficiency by providing an end-to-end technology-enabled clinical service. These cost savings can be reinvested into other critical areas of the healthcare system, contributing to its long-term sustainability. The economic impact of our services underscores their value in creating a robust and efficient healthcare system.
Case study highlights
Buckinghamshire PCN: empowering patient care and streamlining operations
A PCN in Buckinghamshire faced significant hurdles in providing consistent clinical pharmacy services to its 80,000 patients. Through our innovative solutions, the PCN liberated 9,120 GP hours annually, allowing GPs to focus on patients with more complex needs and a better work-life balance. The introduction of electronic repeat dispensing and comprehensive medication reviews not only improved prescription efficiency but also empowered patients with seamless access to medical services, reducing long wait times and enhancing satisfaction levels due to timely access to critical healthcare services.
London GP surgery: achieving CQC compliance with proactive management
A London GP surgery tasked with aligning to CQC requirements benefited immensely from our proactive approach. The intervention in medicines optimisation, alert management, and robust monitoring showcased adherence to CQC standards. This proactive stance ensured timely responses to medication-related challenges, enhancing patient safety and demonstrating clear regulatory compliance, ultimately positioning the surgery as a model for regulatory excellence.
Future trends and directions
The future of clinical pharmacy services is poised for exciting advancements. Emerging trends such as personalised medicine, pharmacogenomics, integrated neighbourhood teams and the growing role of clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in chronic disease management are set to transform the field. We are committed to staying at the forefront of these developments, continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers. By embracing these trends, we aim to further enhance the quality and efficiency of our services.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, integrating clinical pharmacy services within primary care are essential for improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Core Prescribing Solutions is committed to addressing current and future challenges, demonstrating additionality in clinical capacity, and ensuring regulatory compliance. By leveraging technology and a diverse clinical pharmacy workforce with an adequate clinical skill mix, fostering collaboration, and incorporating long-lasting best practices, we lead the way in transforming primary care across the UK.
The success stories of the Buckinghamshire PCN and London GP Surgery underscore the transformative impact of our services. By freeing up valuable GP time, enhancing compliance, and positively adding to the healthcare workforce, we are not just meeting but exceeding the expectations of healthcare providers and patients alike. The future of healthcare lies in such collaborative working and innovative approaches, ensuring robust, responsive, and resilient systems that put the patient at the core of everything.
