The roles and responsibilities of a clinical pharmacist

If you’re researching into the role and responsibilities of a clinical pharmacist or are looking for information on how to become one, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve covered everything you need to know in this article:

• What is a clinical pharmacist?
• How to become a clinical pharmacist
• The role and responsibilities of a clinical pharmacist
• Where can clinical pharmacists work?
• Skills and qualities needed to become a clinical pharmacist
• Apply to clinical pharmacist roles

What is a clinical pharmacist?

A clinical pharmacist plays an important role in guiding and managing patient care. They’re responsible for medication therapy and patient outcomes, with a large focus on medication optimisation and patient health progression. They also support health promotion and disease prevention.

Clinical pharmacists work across many different healthcare settings. They’re a valuable source of information for patients and healthcare professionals, providing advice and education on optimal, safe, and cost-effective medication use.

How to become a clinical pharmacist

To become a clinical pharmacist, you’ll need to study medicine at university and gain a master’s degree in pharmacy (MPharm). This comprises a five-year teaching programme, with both academic and clinical-based learning. The entry requirements for these university programmes are usually three A-levels (or equivalent) including one in chemistry, along with an A-level in a second science or mathematics.

Sometimes, vocational qualifications are accepted by universities, including BTEC Level 3 programmes, National Extended Diplomas in Applied Sciences, or Access to HE Diplomas.

You’ll have to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPHC) to be able to practice. Previous NHS experience is often beneficial if you are pursuing clinical pharmacist roles.

What does a clinical pharmacist do?

Clinical pharmacists have a wide range of responsibilities that all contribute to improving the quality of patient care. These include:

• Advising other healthcare professionals
• Prescribing and informing patients on medication
• Monitoring patient progress
• Contributing to research, development, and optimisation

Advising other professionals

The role of a clinical pharmacist involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team, advising and supporting other healthcare workers to provide patient services. You’ll consult others on appropriate medication and dosages and also advise on the correct administration.

Prescribing and informing patients on medication

Clinical pharmacists can prescribe medication and give patients personalised, face-to-face medication advice.

When discussing long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, and arthritis, a clinical pharmacist can also educate patients on healthy lifestyle changes. They may also conduct health checks such as taking blood pressure, or schedule appointments for further tests, such as blood tests.

Monitoring patient progress

Reviewing patient records, monitoring patient health, and evaluating conditions are all important parts of the job.

Clinical pharmacists need to be able to review the efficacy and suitability of medicines prescribed and observe how a patient’s medications are working together. They’re also required to form a comprehensive picture of a person’s health to determine the correct ongoing course of action.

Clinical pharmacists work together with the wider healthcare network. So, if untreated health problems are identified while monitoring patients, they can be referred to appropriate physicians.

Contributing to research, development and optimisation

Clinical pharmacists can also help to influence the future of patient care, in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. They can assess the results of pharmaceutical treatments, and maintain accurate documentation around medication plans and patient responses, to contribute towards medicine developments and optimisations.

Studying clinical trials and performing medical tests are also responsibilities that clinical pharmacists can perform, which are essential to supporting new advances in medicine.