The Essential Guide to PCN Clinical Pharmacists for Practice Managers
- Mohammed A Rashad
- Jul 3
- 6 min read
Did you know that the overall number of pharmacists working in primary care networks has increased by more than a third in a year, yet many practice managers still struggle to unlock their team’s full potential. As the NHS shifts towards neighbourhood health and integrated care, the difference between a thriving pharmacy team and an underused resource often comes down to how well managers understand and support these highly skilled professionals.
Clinical pharmacists are no longer just the experts behind the dispensary counter—they are now pivotal in driving patient safety, tackling polypharmacy, and shaping the future of primary care.
This guide reveals the strategies, insights, and practical steps that set high-performing PCNs apart, helping you transform your pharmacy workforce into a true engine for better patient outcomes and a more resilient practice.
Key Takeaways:
The Expanding Role of Clinical Pharmacists in PCNs
The role of the clinical pharmacist within primary care networks (PCNs) has evolved far beyond traditional expectations. No longer limited to dispensing, clinical pharmacists are now central to medicines optimisation, patient safety, and the delivery of high-quality care. With the introduction of the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), PCNs have a unique opportunity to integrate clinical pharmacists into their teams and transform patient outcomes.
Key Responsibilities of Clinical Pharmacists
A well-supported clinical pharmacist can deliver a wide range of services, including:
Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs): Clinical pharmacists conduct in-depth reviews for patients with complex needs, polypharmacy, or those in care homes, ensuring medicines are safe, effective, and truly necessary.
Long-Term Condition Management: They play a vital role in supporting patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension, adjusting medications and providing education to improve adherence.
Tackling Polypharmacy and Deprescribing: Clinical pharmacists are skilled at identifying unnecessary or potentially harmful medications, guiding safe reduction or cessation.
Medicines Reconciliation: Ensuring accurate medication records as patients move between care settings, reducing errors and improving safety.
Patient and Staff Education: Clinical pharmacists are the go-to experts for medicine-related queries, delivering training, implementing safety alerts, and supporting audits.
Operational Support: By managing repeat prescriptions and urgent medication requests, clinical pharmacists free up valuable GP time and help practices run more efficiently.
Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Clinical Pharmacist
Many PCNs are only scratching the surface of what their clinical pharmacist can achieve. To truly maximise the value of ARRS-funded roles, practice managers should explore the following areas:
1. Specialist Clinics
If your clinical pharmacist is an Independent Prescriber (IP), they can run their own clinics for conditions such as mental health issues, hypertension, or respiratory diseases. This allows for greater autonomy and more tailored patient care.
2. Proactive Population Health
Clinical pharmacists can use data to identify at-risk groups—such as frail older adults or those at risk of hospital admission due to medication issues—and intervene early to prevent complications.
3. Supporting Care Transitions
Beyond basic reviews, clinical pharmacists can liaise with hospitals, care homes, and community services to ensure continuity and safety as patients move between settings.
4. Shaping Local Prescribing
With their expertise, clinical pharmacists can help develop evidence-based prescribing policies and standardise best practice across the PCN.
5. Mentoring and Innovation
Senior clinical pharmacists can mentor new team members, pharmacy technicians, and even other healthcare professionals. They can also lead on research, quality improvement, and innovative projects that drive better outcomes.
Tip: Regularly review your clinical pharmacist’s job plan to ensure they are empowered to work at the top of their licence and contribute to strategic goals.
What Clinical Pharmacists Shouldn’t Be Doing
To get the most from your clinical pharmacist, it’s just as important to know what tasks to avoid:
Excessive Admin: Delegate non-clinical paperwork to pharmacy technicians or admin staff. Your clinical pharmacist’s time is best spent on patient-facing and clinical activities.
Repetitive Prescription Processing: While managing repeat prescriptions is part of the role, it should not be the sole focus. Leverage ARRS funding to ensure a balanced workload.
Working in Isolation: Clinical pharmacists should be fully integrated into the PCN team, with clear communication channels and regular multidisciplinary meetings.
Manager’s Checklist:
Review task allocation regularly.
Ensure clinical pharmacists have access to team meetings and decision-making.
Use pharmacy technicians to support administrative and routine tasks.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Practice managers often encounter several challenges when integrating clinical pharmacists into their PCN. Addressing these proactively can improve retention and job satisfaction.
1. Fuzzy Roles
Unclear job descriptions can lead to confusion and underutilisation. Ensure every clinical pharmacist has a well-defined role, with clear expectations and responsibilities aligned to ARRS guidelines.
2. Integration and Belonging
Clinical pharmacists who feel like outsiders are less likely to thrive. Foster a culture of inclusion by involving them in practice meetings, decision-making, and social activities.
3. Supervision and Support
Especially for those new to primary care, regular clinical supervision is essential. Pair each clinical pharmacist with a senior pharmacist and a clinical supervisor for ongoing guidance.
4. Workload and Burnout
Demand for clinical pharmacist services has soared since the introduction of ARRS. Prevent burnout by setting realistic priorities, providing backup from pharmacy technicians, and ensuring protected time for training and development.
5. Career Progression
Clinical pharmacists want to see a future in your PCN. Offer clear pathways for advancement, such as senior clinical pharmacist or lead pharmacist roles, and support ongoing professional development.
TMMT Solutions:
Provide structured induction and mentorship programmes.
Schedule regular feedback sessions and act on staff input.
Invest in leadership and research opportunities for your clinical pharmacist team.
Recruitment: Attracting the Right Clinical Pharmacists
Building a high-performing team starts with effective recruitment. Here’s how to attract the best clinical pharmacists to your PCN:
1. Plan for the Future
Think beyond immediate needs. Consider how your clinical pharmacist roles will evolve with changes in primary care and ARRS funding.
2. Write Clear, Candidate-Focused Job Ads
Be explicit about responsibilities, development opportunities, and your supportive culture. Highlight the chance to work at the top of their licence and make a real impact.
3. Showcase Your PCN’s Culture
Involve your current pharmacy team in the recruitment process. Let candidates see your collaborative, forward-thinking environment.
4. Streamline the Application Process
A smooth, friendly recruitment process reflects well on your PCN and encourages top talent to apply.
What others miss: Onboarding is crucial. Provide a structured induction, early mentorship, and clear expectations from day one.
Retention: Keeping Your Clinical Pharmacists Happy
Recruitment is only the first step. Retaining your clinical pharmacist team requires ongoing investment and support.
1. Support Education and Training
Ensure all ARRS-funded clinical pharmacists are enrolled in the Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP) and have time to complete it. Encourage and support Independent Prescribing (IP) training.
2. Maximise ARRS Funding
Understand ARRS guidelines and structure roles to make the most of available funding. This ensures sustainability and continued development of your clinical pharmacist team.
3. Provide Regular Supervision
Schedule protected time for clinical supervision and mentorship. This is vital for professional growth and maintaining high standards.
4. Enable Career Progression
Show clear routes for advancement within your PCN, such as senior clinical pharmacist or lead roles. Offer opportunities for research, leadership, and innovation.
5. Build a Feedback Culture
Regularly check in with your clinical pharmacist team, listen to their concerns, and act on their suggestions. This fosters engagement and loyalty.
Conclusion
By understanding the evolving role of the clinical pharmacist, maximizing ARRS funding, and investing in recruitment, retention, and professional development, practice managers can build a pharmacy team that delivers exceptional patient care and supports the entire primary care network.
The Medicines Management Team can support your PCN with managed services, training, and strategic advice to ensure your clinical pharmacist team remains a vital asset for years to come.
Contact us to learn more about our services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a clinical pharmacist in a PCN?
A clinical pharmacist in a PCN supports medicines optimisation, conducts structured medication reviews, manages long-term conditions, and helps improve patient safety. They also provide education to patients and staff, and play a key role in reducing GP workload.
How does ARRS funding support clinical pharmacists?
ARRS funding enables PCNs to recruit and develop clinical pharmacists by covering their salaries and supporting their training. This funding allows for practices to expand their pharmacy teams and offer a wider range of clinical services.
What qualifications should a PCN clinical pharmacist have?
A PCN clinical pharmacist should be a registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Additional qualifications, such as completion of the Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP) and Independent Prescribing (IP) training, are highly beneficial.
How can practice managers help retain clinical pharmacists?
Practice managers can retain clinical pharmacists by offering clear career progression, regular supervision, protected time for training, and a supportive team environment. Listening to staff feedback and acting on it also boosts retention.
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