The UK pharmaceutical industry experienced a substantial increase in public trust and favourability during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new poll.
This trend appears to be persisting with the study showing a generally favourable view of the sector.
The recent survey, conducted by Ipsos and commissioned by Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), represents the third instalment in a series
that began in 2021. This ongoing study targets members of the public, healthcare professionals, and parliamentarians.
The study once again underscored a favourable perception of the sector with 67 per cent of respondents recognising that the pharmaceutical industry produces safe
and effective medicines using cutting-edge technologies. Moreover, a majority agrees that it is a highly innovative field.
Seven out of 10 people also trust the sector's readiness to address future pandemics, even as media attention on pharmaceutical companies returns to pre-pandemic
levels. However, concerns arise regarding limitations in accessing new medicines due to cost pressures.
"Only around half of ICSs have a Chief Pharmacist," indicating a significant gap in leadership that hampers the pharmacy sector's ability to influence
critical healthcare decision, a report on medicine optimisation by the Public Policy Projects (PPP) highlights.
In PPP's latest report, a notable concern highlighted is the inadequate representation of pharmacy leadership within Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) despite the
role of pharmacy being "central in the delivery of system priorities, with pivotal roles in improving population health and tackling inequalities".
In recent years, the role of pharmacy within the NHS has evolved significantly with recent developments including Pharmacy First Services and legislative
amendments that allows pharmacy technicians under PGDs to administer and supply medicines.
In the fast-evolving world of medicine, staying updated with the latest research trends is crucial for healthcare professionals and researchers alike.
This helps ensure that patient care is based on the best available evidence and keeps professionals at the forefront of innovations and advancements. Here are six
essential tips on how to stay informed about the latest medical research trends.
1. Utilize Trusted Sources
The vast amount of information available online can be overwhelming, making it essential to discern credible sources from unreliable ones. Here are some strategies
to help:
Identify Reputable Journals and Databases: Publications like The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, and JAMA are renowned for their rigorous peer-review
processes. Databases like PubMed and Google Scholar are also excellent for accessing a wide range of scientific papers.
Check for Peer-Reviewed Articles: Peer review ensures that research has been evaluated by experts in the field, enhancing its credibility.
Look for Author Credentials: Research conducted by established experts in the field is more likely to be trustworthy.
Evaluate Institutional Affiliations: Research from reputable institutions and organizations often signifies high-quality work.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has urged health and care professionals to meet relevant regulatory standards amidst the shortage of GLP-1 receptor
agonists (GLP-1 RAs).
The council said: "We are concerned to hear that people with Type 2 diabetes are experiencing problems accessing GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). We know that
these are being widely prescribed for weight loss purposes and in some cases prescribed off-label."
"We recognise the adverse impact that shortages and supply chain issues can have on patients, the public and wider health and care teams.
The Council understands that health and care professionals are using their professional judgement and making decisions in challenging situations, balancing a range
of factors such as individual patient needs, wider public health and pressures and limitations on available resources such as medicines shortages or other supply
chain issues.
All four UK health services have committed to net zero carbon emissions, health secretary Sajid Javid announced today (November 9).
Lauding the commitment, Javid said: "As a health community, we cannot simply sit on the sidelines - we must respond to climate change through urgent action, with global collaboration at its core."
Health systems in the UK have already started work on being greener.
On behalf of the profession, Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) joined the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in writing a letter to world leaders
who had gathered in Glasgow earlier last week to attend the COP26 summit, expressing pharmacy's commitment to tacking the climate crisis.
RPS also signed a charter to guide effective and high-quality climate action by professional bodies in the UK.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate patient counselling takes place and
patients are aware of the missing information on the patient information leaflet (PIL) of Decongestant Tablets and Decongestant with Pain Relief Tablets.
The advise came after Boots has identified an error with the printed PIL provided with batches of the tablets.
Check the website for more information.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised 'no one should stop taking valproate without advice from their healthcare
professional.'
The latest data on the use of valproate in England revealed that in the last 6 months the number of pregnant women prescribed valproate in a 6-month period has
fallen from 68 women in April to September 2018, to 17 women in October 2021 to March 2022.
In light of concerns that the current regulatory requirements for safe use are not being consistently followed, the MHRA conducted a review of the available data
and asked for advice from the independent Commission on Human Medicines (CHM).
"The CHM has advised that no one under the age of 55 should be initiated on valproate unless two specialists independently consider and document that there is no
other effective or tolerated treatment," said MHRA.
"Where possible, existing patients should be switched to another treatment unless two specialists independently consider and document that there is no other effective
or tolerated treatment or the risks do not apply."
In a bid to address the ongoing deficit in staff in the UK's healthcare system, the National Health Service (NHS) has entered into a new workforce agreement
with India.
According to media reports, the healthcare service plans to hire 2,000 doctors from India on a fast-track basis to alleviate this pressing issue.
It is learned that the NHS has set up training centres across many Indian cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Nagpur, Delhi, Gurugram, Indore, Mysore, Chennai,
and Calicut to provide postgraduate training for the first batch of doctors.
Post their training period (which ranges from six to 12 months), these doctors will be deployed at hospitals across Britain. They will also be exempted from the
Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) examination that is otherwise mandatory for practising in the country.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Director for Scotland Clare Morrison participated in the panel discussion alongside representatives from other health
professional organisations on tackling the workforce crisis at the SNP conference in Aberdeen on 8 October.
At the conference, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care committed to achieving protected learning time for health professionals. Morrison welcomed the
Cabinet Secretary's statement as fantastic news for pharmacists across Scotland.
"RPS Scotland will follow up the discussion by writing to the Cabinet Secretary to request a meeting to discuss achieving protected learning time, the forthcoming
results of our workforce wellbeing survey, and positive examples of how pharmacy teams have improved the well-being of their teams," said the society.
The UK government will lay legislation today (13 December 2023) to allow the General Medical Council (GMC) to begin the process of regulating medical
associates to expand their roles in the NHS.
This will support plans to reduce pressure on doctors and GPs and improve access for patients, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.
Physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) will have the same levels of regulatory oversight and accountability as doctors and other regulated
healthcare professionals once the regulations come into force, which is expected at the end of 2024.
The GMC will design and deliver detailed regulatory processes for registration, education, standards and fitness to practise for both professions.
If you're thinking of heading a startup, owning a local pharmacy could be an incredibly lucrative opportunity. When you set up a business in the healthcare
sector, it's important to ensure that you operate with transparency to keep yourself and your patients safe.
Whether you've acquired pharmacies before or you're turning to a new venture with different partners, learning the relevant steps before getting involved is
imperative. Successful pharmacies rely on medical expertise, professional knowledge, and an excellent quality of service.
Step 1: Do you need qualifications to be a pharmacist?
No matter if you already have a background in pharmacy or you're entering the field from an entrepreneurial perspective, you'll need to have the right qualifications.
You can become a pharmacist by completing a Master of Pharmacy degree at a university. Your chosen course needs to be approved by the General Pharmaceutical Council
and will take at least four years to complete. After your degree, you'll also need to take the one-year pharmacist foundation training scheme.
To access these courses, you'll usually need two or three A levels, including Chemistry. Alternatively, you could do a pharmacy foundation degree if you only have one
A level or equivalent.
People are advised to be mindful of medications that may cause sun reactions, and to watch out for dodgy hay fever treatments and fake weight loss pens.
For those traveling abroad, the MHRA advises considering the suitability of medicines available to reduce the risk of contracting tropical diseases.
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: "The summer is an exciting time for many of us, as we take time off to travel and enjoy the warmer weather.
"But it is important to understand what this time of year means for our medicines and medical devices, and take the precautions necessary to use products safely
and protect ourselves."
Watch out for dodgy hay fever treatments
Millions of Britons suffer from hay fever symptoms in the summer. The MHRA advises consulting a healthcare professional to find the best treatment for your symptoms.
People are also warned to be cautious of medicines advertised as hay fever treatments but not approved for use in the UK, such as Kenalog. This is a
prescription-only steroid injection licensed as a medicine for other conditions, but not for the treatment of hay fever.
The Professional Records Standards Body (PRSB), which develops information standards for health and social care records, has appointed Professor Reecha
Sofat as the new Chair.
She will assume the role at the end of October 2024, succeeding Professor Maureen Baker CBE, who will step down after seven years as Chair of the PRSB.
A Clinical Pharmacologist, Professor Sofat has held many leadership roles across the NHS, academia and scientific societies.
Professor Sofat is Breckenridge Chair of Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Liverpool. She practices general internal medicine and is also an Associate
Director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Data Science Centre (DSC) which is led by Health Data Research UK (HDRUK).
With a passion for data science and extensive clinical and research insights, Professor Sofat is focused on embedding research into routine health and social care.
She said: "I am passionate about using the rich health data that is already collected across NHS and social care to better understand the causes and consequences
of disease and improve health outcomes.
In his first speech as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP acknowledged that the NHS is in crisis while outlining his mission to
save the health service.
Streeting described the current state of the NHS as "broken," noting its failure to meet the needs of both patients and dedicated healthcare professionals.
"When we said during the election campaign, that the NHS was going through the biggest crisis in its history, we meant it.
"When we said that patients are being failed on a daily basis, it wasn't political rhetoric, but the daily reality faced by millions," he said on Friday (5 July).
The new health secretary remarked that previous governments had been unwilling to admit these simple facts.
PHOENIX UK has appointed Harry McQuillan, former CEO of Community Pharmacy Scotland, as Chairman of Numark, a community pharmacy membership organisation.
It has over 3750 members ranging from single store pharmacies to large chains, spread across the 'Four Nations'. The organisation provides its members with the
professional and commercial support they need to deliver exceptional care to local communities.
As Numark Chairman, McQuillan will be front and central of representing the interests of the members, and will help ensure policy makers across the UK understand
fully "the potential of community pharmacy."
Steve Anderson, Group Managing Director, PHOENIX UK, commented: "Harry brings to our Numark partnership an outstanding wealth of experience and understanding of
how community pharmacy can work successfully with government officials and politicians.
Sustainability also brings financial benefits to businesses. This has been proven by Prabjaudt Singh Channa, Director of Priory Pharmacy.
Prabjaudt is a proud winner of the Sustainable Pharmacy of the Year 2023, awarded by Pharmacy Business in association with Teva UK. Prabjaudt thanked the award
organisers for acknowledging the importance of sustainability within the sector and for recognising his modest endeavours to reduce environmental impact and
safeguard future generations.
"I just felt really happy and proud of this recognition because originally when I set myself down on this path, I didn't really think anyone would be that bothered
about the small changes that we were trying to make and the impact," says Prabjaudt.
In addition to his family's background in the field, his passion for chemistry also drove him to pursue a career in pharmacy. He finds being a pharmacy contractor
enjoyable because it allows him to be flexible, pursue various interests and shape his professional path.
Community pharmacists in England have launched a new digital platform called My Local Surgery, enabling patients to access Pharmacy First consultations online.
This initiative, a part of the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, facilitates free video consultations for six common conditions, connecting patients with community
pharmacists for clinical advice and treatment.
The platform, spearheaded by a team of pharmacy, tech, and clinical services experts, including experienced community pharmacists Darren Lingaloo and Gulraj
Dhillon, tech specialist Nav Ramiah, and Dr. Adam Kirk, a seasoned NHS and digital healthcare professional, seeks to meet the rising demand for clinical services.
Darren Lingaloo, co-founder and chief pharmacist at My Local Surgery, said: "The evolving role of pharmacists is long overdue and has the potential to save
millions of GP appointments every year.
Thorrun Govind's journey in pharmacy is deeply influenced by her South Asian heritage, with a Punjabi mother and a Gujarati father shaping her professional path.
She reflects on this influence: "I think my heritage has influenced my journey to become a pharmacist because there are a number of well-known and recognized
figures in pharmacy who come from a South Asian background."
"I think there's a tradition of hard work in my heritage. Additionally, many businesspeople in the community have also been a key influence. This entrepreneurial
aspect has influenced my desire to pursue a career in pharmacy. It was always something I saw as part of my identity."
Currently, Thorrun practices as both a pharmacist and a healthcare lawyer. She provides legal support to fellow pharmacists, including assistance with fitness to
practice proceedings and business transactions.
In June 2024, Thorrun joined Brabners' regulatory & professional conduct team, further expanding her role in the sector.
Her journey, however, has not been without its challenges.
NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I), in association with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK),
has published its first inclusive pharmacy practice (IPP) bulletin, with an overarching ambition "to make community pharmacy a more inclusive environment for all
pharmacy professionals".
The IPP programme will take practical steps to improve the awareness and understanding at all levels of different cultural beliefs and attitudes, according to the
Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC).
As a member of the IPP Improving Practice and Engagement Group, PSNC has contributed to this issue of the Bulletin, which focuses on how pharmacy professionals can
help to reduce health inequalities via the detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
The IPP programme, of which the Bulletin forms a part, aims to engage with local communities to help improve their health and reduce inequalities in care -
particularly among those from ethnically diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has invited views of healthcare professionals and others to tackle the six major health conditions which
drive-ill health and contribute to the burden of disease in England.
The six major health conditions - cancer; cardiovascular diseases including stroke and diabetes; chronic respiratory diseases; dementia; mental ill-health and
musculoskeletal disorders - affect millions of people in England with data showing that one in four suffer from two or more of these major long-term conditions.
Recognising the pressure these conditions are putting on the NHS, the government is seeking views on a new strategy to tackle them that will focus not only on
treatment but also on prevention.
Government is particularly interested in hearing from those who suffer from, care for or provide treatment to people who suffer from multiple long-term conditions.
This is to ensure the Major Conditions Strategy is one that will better prevent, diagnose, manage and treat these conditions.
Contributions are also encouraged from those working in NHS bodies, local government, the voluntary and community sector, and wider industry, on how best to tackle
suffering from one or more of these major conditions. Particularly, it is seeking perspectives on how government and the NHS can work better together with different
organisations and sectors to improve the nation's health.