Table 2.

Examples of collaborative working between pharmacists and clinical pharmacologists

Education—medical and pharmacy undergraduate students have been participating in integrated workshops at University College London. Pharmacists and clinical pharmacologists have collaborated to deliver innovative teaching methods, some of which become routine practice outside the university environment, for example, prescribing assessments and fitness to practice sessions. Clinical pharmacologists have also acted as designated medical practitioners for many of the pharmacists undertaking independent prescribing courses. Formulary and medicines management—University College London Hospital and North Central London formulary/drug and therapeutics committees are joined within the North Central London sustainability and transformation plan footprint. They are run and managed collaboratively between clinical pharmacologists and pharmacists. The chairs of both committees are clinical pharmacologists, and the supporting team are pharmacists. Juniors from both professions are involved in reviewing and presenting the evidence bases for applications. Prescribing technology—the project to procure, develop, implement and electronic prescribing and administration technology was led by pharmacy and supported by clinical pharmacologists who provided input to weekly team meetings, and the monthly project board meetings. The project and rollout took 4 years and collaborative working has continued towards implementing a total electronic health record system to replace all electronic systems across the organisation. Audit, service evaluation and research—a Centre for Medicines Optimisation Research and Education has been established with work streams involving collaborations between pharmacists and clinical pharmacologists. The board includes pharmacists and clinical pharmacologists, along with other academics and clinicians. Clinical—clinical pharmacologists and pharmacists are working together to explore the potential for a joint pharmacist/clinical pharmacologist polypharmacy and de‐prescribing clinic. While this is currently in the feasibility and proof‐of‐concept pilot phase, the demand for this is supported by enthusiasm from general practitioners (GPs), it is expected that this will be a long‐term venture towards shared responsibility for medicines optimisation.

Personal communication: R. Offord, 16 August 2018