4.1 Service scope and risk assessment

In this section we cover the principles of ensuring that weight management services are safe for the people receiving them and that pharmacy teams work in a way that will meet professional, legal, ethical and service quality requirements.

GPhC inspection reports for pharmacy weight management services have identified both good practice and problematic aspects. The latter include inadequate risk assessments, and failure to thoroughly verify the patient information provided and to proactively audit or review the service.

The relevant GPhC standards are shown in Box 1.

Risk assessments should cover the whole service, including:

• Each individual part of the service being provided, including how to use and securely store confidential and sensitive information 
• The staff undertaking roles in your weight management service
• The medicines being provided
• Advice and recommendations about diet and physical activity 
• The activities of any third parties or contractors.