A new workbook designed to improve communication between community pharmacy and general practice has been published by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and the British Medical Association (BMA).
The workbook is intended to help facilitate local dialogue between these two professional groups, with the ultimate aim of improving patient care.
Central Lancashire Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC) has already used this communication tool to lead an interactive meeting with members of Lancashire LMC. Discussion groups considered repeat dispensing, practice-based commissioning and integrated care pilots.
Ian Facer, Chairman of Central Lancashire LPC, said: “The pharmacy white paper highlighted the importance of relationship-building between community pharmacists and GPs – this workbook is an ideal way to take the initial steps.”
Gareth Jones, from the NPA, added: “Demand for this workbook has been exceptionally high, and I understand that there are plans for other LPCs to meet with local medical committees for workshops based on its use. I hope that there will be many more such encouraging results.”
The workbook describes various community pharmacy–GP interactions, and highlights some principles of good practice. The intention is that groups of pharmacists and GPs should work through this book together to identify local challenges and formulate solutions.
The workbook and facilitators’ notes are available to download from the members’ area of the NPA and BMA websites.
