28-1_Pharmacy_regulation_2_-_Standards_-_Edu_BB_2023-24

Pharmacy Regulation Law

• Professor Ellen Schafheutle discusses the role of regulations in pharmacy education, training, and experience acquisition.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Education and training standards and requirements:

  • Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

  • Includes post-registration training for independent prescribing.

Education, Training, and Acquisition of Experience

• The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) role:

  • Set standards of proficiency for safe and effective pharmacy practice.

  • Establish standards for education, training, and experience for pharmacy education providers.

  • Specify requirements for admission and continuous participation in training programs.

GPhC Approval and Accreditation

• GPhC can approve/accredit:

  • Education or training courses that meet proficiency standards.

  • Qualifications granted after successful assessments, including English language proficiency.

  • Institutions and tutors.

  • Training premises suitable for postgraduate education.

  • Maintain a list of courses, qualifications, and accredited institutions.

Role of 'Visitors'

• GPhC may appoint 'visitors' for oversight:

  • To assess education or training courses.

  • To evaluate assessments and competence tests.

  • Report includes:

    • Nature and quality of instruction.

    • Facilities available.

    • General observations.

  • A copy of the report is sent to the educational institution.

Actions if Standards Not Met

• GPhC's decisions if standards/requirements are unmet:

  • Imposition of probationary or remedial measures.

  • Refusal or withdrawal of course accreditation.

Standards for Initial Education and Training for Pharmacists 2021

• Updated from the last standards (IETS) in 2011:

  • Standard 10, outcomes for MPharm and pre-registration details.

  • Appendix 1 includes indicative syllabus per EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

  • Consultations since 2015 for feedback and standards development.

Objectives of New Standards

• Outcomes specification for student/trainee pharmacists:

  • Knowledge, skills, understanding, professional behaviors required for GPhC registration.

  • Aim for adaptable pharmacists:

    • Confident in multi-professional teams across healthcare settings.

    • Focus on person-centered care—both in person and remote consultations.

    • Ensure high-quality, safe, and effective medicine use with empathy.

    • Skilled prescribers supporting complex healthcare systems.

Changes to Standards

• Aimed at future-proofing pharmacists:

  • New comprehensive learning outcomes spanning five years.

  • Skills and knowledge for effective prescribing emphasized.

  • Enhanced skills in clinical practice—professional judgment, risk management, and consultation skills included.

  • Introduction of a 5th year as a foundation training year with strengthened supervision.

  • Focus on collaborative working between education providers and healthcare employers.

  • Greater emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion to address discrimination and health inequalities.

GPhC Accreditation for Programs

• GPhC accredited programs include:

  • Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degrees.

  • Overseas Pharmacists' Assessment Programmes (OSPAPs).

  • Independent prescribing programmes leading to pharmacist annotation.

  • New requirements for registration and annotation include approved MPharm degrees and foundation training programs.

  • Courses for pharmacy technicians leading to registration.

  • Guidance for pharmacy support staff qualifications.

English Language Competency Requirements

• All registrants must demonstrate English language competency:

  • Legal requirement set by the Health Care and Associated Professions (Knowledge of English) Order 2015.

  • Conditions for registration with GPhC include English proficiency.

  • Regulations being implemented for various healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.

  • September 2016 guidance on proving English language skills.