Table 1.

Summary of PhIF learning pathways in scope of the evaluation

Learning pathways	Definition	Aim	Mode of delivery*	Supervision
Medicines optimisation in care homes	Pharmacist independent prescriber works as a member of the multidisciplinary team to support care home residents achieve medicines optimisation according to need. Pharmacy technician ensures the efficient supply and management of medicines within the care home, supporting care home staff and residents.52	To give pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in care homes the confidence and skills to deliver medicines optimisation for care home residents as part of a multidisciplinary team.	One provider; used a blended approach of online and workplace-based learning.	Provided by educational and clinical supervisor.
Integrated urgent care	Pharmacist independent prescriber works in urgent care as part of the multidisciplinary team, where they handle medicines-related enquiries and issues, undertake clinical assessment and treatment of minor ailments, and where appropriate prescribe for repeat prescription requests and provide self-care advice.53	For pharmacists to develop the knowledge, confidence and adaptability to work effectively in NHS 111/integrated urgent care settings as part of an multidiscplinary team (MDT).	One provider; used a blended approach of online and workplace-based learning.	Provided by educational and clinical supervisor.
Accuracy checking pharmacy technician	An accuracy checking pharmacy technician provides the final autonomous accuracy check of dispensed medicines, following clinical check by a pharmacist.54	To ensure pharmacy technicians are able to check dispensed items safely and effectively, taking a greater leadership role in pharmacies.	Used a blended approach of online and workplace-based learning.	Provided by work-based supervisor.
Postregistration programmes†	Provides community pharmacists and pharmacists working in health in justice settings to choose from a range of courses and modules which focus on service improvement, extended skills, patient activation, delivering medicines optimisation and NHS England clinical priorities.55	To ensure community pharmacists have the skills and confidence to deliver a range of clinical services across a range of care pathways.	Range of HEIs commissioned; varied blended approach and others providing the learning almost entirely online.	Provided by educational supervisor.

*These pathways commenced in 2018/2019. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, mode of learning became almost entirely online for all pathways.

†Postregistration learning pathway mainly involved community pharmacists but was also open to prison pharmacists. The evaluation only involved community pharmacists.

NHS, National Health Service; PhIF, Pharmacy Integration Fund.