Pathfinder programme

The NHS Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Pathfinder Programme aims to establish a framework for the future commissioning of NHS community pharmacy clinical services that incorporate independent prescribing.

After a number of delays, mainly related to funding and IT, the Pathfinder programme is currently operating in all 42 ICBs in England to trial independent prescribing across a range of therapeutic areas using a local commissioning and national funding model. This presents a unique opportunity for community pharmacy to integrate with current pathways and play an increasing role in delivering clinical services in primary care.

The programme will allow the NHS and community pharmacy to work through the practical and professional issues which need to be addressed before independent prescribing can be embedded in day-to-day practice and within the NHS contractual framework in England.

Hypertension was the second most common condition chosen for the programme reflecting the opportunity for community pharmacy to improve patient care in this therapeutic category. This may involve:

• Potential initiation of antihypertensives (e.g. following ABPM). This would involve initiating step 1 of the NICE guidelines for people meeting the treatment threshold following safety checks (e.g. blood results; steps in place for ongoing monitoring)
• Potential ongoing blood pressure monitoring – with titration of medication/addition of a second/third blood pressure medication (again in line with guidelines and appropriate monitoring).

The Pathfinder programme will be evaluated by the University of Manchester and will inform the next steps for independent prescribing in community pharmacy in England.