4.3 Standard operating procedures

Pharmacies have extensive experience of using SOPs and may decide to develop their own for weight management services or to use/adapt some produced elsewhere. 

Think about SOPs as a way of communicating how pharmacy staff should safely provide the service when the pharmacist is not there. Put yourself in the shoes of a different pharmacist working in your pharmacy and in charge of the service. Service documentation may cover:

‘Assisted wheel reinvention’ is a phrase that means asking colleagues in your own network if they are willing to share documentation and can be applied here. It can save a lot of time as well as building in an element of peer review for all parties.

In designing the consultation process, take account of NHS evidence statements for weight loss maintenance (WLM) from existing guidance:

1. Self-monitoring, promoting independence and self- management are all recommended
2. Set a target weight that is sustainable in the long-term
3. Identify sources of ongoing social support once the programme has ended
4. Set goals to maintain new dietary behaviours and increased physical activity levels
5. Discuss and develop strategies to overcome any difficulties encountered such as barriers, relapse and weight regain
6. Identify dietary behaviours that will support weight maintenance and are sustainable in the long-term e.g. national advice on healthy eating/use of NHS website 
7. Promote ways of being more physically active and less sedentary that are sustainable in the long-term.