The GPhC has provided a very short timeframe of approximately 3 weeks for responses to this important proposed revised guidance. The GPhC says that it needs to review the current guidance as it has identified some changes it wants to make to improve patient safety.
The main proposed changes include:
- Strengthening safeguards for people using online services
- Selecting the appropriate mode of consultation
- Superintendent pharmacists and pharmacy owners both being responsible for meeting the guidance
- Being able to select a preferred prescription medicine during a consultation.
For years the PDA has expressed their concerns and outlined risks associated with online prescribing. This includes concerns about questionnaire-based consultations and the need for a patient’s GP to be informed of any medication prescribed to ensure patient safety.
The PDA welcomes the fact that the proposed guidance now specifically notes the role of a Superintendent Pharmacist and their role in maintaining standards for services provided from registered pharmacy premises. The PDA also welcomes the strengthening of certain aspects of the guidance.
Whilst the PDA welcomes the aspects which have been strengthened, there are also a number of areas where they believe that the revision may have weakened existing guidance, or where guidance is embedding what is potentially poor practice. The PDA has detailed these areas of concern in their full response which can be seen below.
READ THE PDA’S RESPONSE HERE
READ THE GPHC CONSULTATION DOCUMENT HERE
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