Features
A cloud of doubt over the sunshine vitaminSubscription
Negative results in trials of vitamin D supplementation have led researchers to question the best way of reaching those who are deficient.
Failing the frailestSubscription
A new analysis suggests that thousands of vulnerable older people could be at risk because their medicines have not been reviewed by their GP.
The deadly online prescribing loopholeSubscription
Online prescribing has long operated in a regulatory grey area, with some online pharmacies evading oversight by exploiting technical loopholes in the law.
Relief from indigestion: a visual guideSubscription
Indigestion and heartburn affect four in ten people. This guide illustrates the options available over the counter for managing symptoms and how they work.
Comment
Can hub-and-spoke transform medicines supply in the UK? The jury is still outSubscription
Community pharmacy’s flat funding settlement in England is linked to ‘efficiencies’ to be made through the hub-and-spoke model. With a consultation on the model on the cards for 2020, it is time to reconsider whether its benefits stack up.
Q&A
Toby Anderson: 'There will be fewer pharmacies in fewer locations'Subscription
Toby Anderson, chief executive of McKesson UK, on managing LloydsPharmacy’s parent company during a crucial period for healthcare provision and pharmacy.
CPD article
Treatment of acute and chronic lymphoid leukaemiaSubscription
Pharmacists should be able to describe the differences between acute lymphoblastic and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and the available treatment.
Learning article
Case-based learning: postnatal depressionSubscription
Appropriate early recognition and timely treatment of postnatal depression is essential if patients are to make a full recovery.
Pharmacogenomic testing and its future in community pharmacy Subscription
Although it is common to see pharmacogenomic testing used North America and Australia, it is not yet part of practice in the UK. With the promise of genomic screening becoming part of the NHS, pharmacists must equip themselves with a knowledge of how the process works.
Postnatal depression: recognition and diagnosisSubscription
Pharmacists are likely to encounter patients affected by postnatal depression; therefore, the ability to identify signs of this under-recognised disorder is essential for appropriate and prompt referral for help and support.
Research
Recent advances in the oral delivery of biologicsSubscription
An overview of the key physiological barriers to oral delivery of biologics and the strategies to overcome them that are currently being tested.
Careers
Five legal protections soon-to-be or new parents should know aboutSubscription
Whether pregnant or returning to a career in pharmacy, there are several ways the law protects new parents.
A day in the life of a pharmacist at a regional medicines information centreSubscription
The nature of enquiries Daniel Hill receives as a medicines information and prescribing support pharmacist are vast and challenging.
Editorial
Medicines use in children and young people: it is time for a reappraisalSubscription
The Pharmaceutical Journal is announcing an initiative to share new information on how medicines can be used safely and effectively in children and young people.
Community pharmacy referral scheme is not a new conceptSubscription
The community pharmacist consultation service has been lauded since it was announced in July 2019, but it is similar to schemes that have been tried in recent years.
News
PSNC denies claims the five-year contract could see a fifth of pharmacies closeSubscription
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has distanced itself from meeting minutes suggesting it believes a fifth of pharmacies could close as a result of the five-year pharmacy contract.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society: what's happening in the first half of 2020?
It is shaping up to be another busy year for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
Pharmacists provide one consultation per week under NHS 111 referral serviceSubscription
Community pharmacists signed up to provide patient consultations are carrying out approximately one consultation each per week, government figures have shown.
Pharmacists could be expected to conduct millions of medication reviews, under NHS England plansSubscription
Pharmacists working in primary care networks will be expected to play a vital role in reviewing the medication of millions of patients with long-term conditions, under radical proposals to improve the care provided in the community published by NHS England.
Half of NHS trusts outsource outpatient pharmacy services to avoid VATSubscription
Half of NHS trusts now outsource their outpatient pharmacies in an effort to save on tax, according to NHS figures, despite union leaders saying this practice is detrimental to staff pay.
Hospital pharmacist time spent on clinical activities stalls at 75%Subscription
Hospital pharmacists spent around 75% of their time on clinical pharmacy work in 2019 — a slight drop on the previous year.
Number of preregistration pharmacists increases by 60% in one yearSubscription
Pharmacy apprenticeships paused again to address 'misconceptions'Subscription
Two antimicrobial pharmacists recognised in New Year HonoursSubscription
Pharmacy incurs first ever UK data protection fine worth £275kSubscription
FMD finds no falsified medicines in UK after ten months, says MHRA
MHRA considering 'further action' after metformin diabetes drugs recalled in Singapore over impuritiesSubscription
Research briefing
GP-based pharmacist interventions cut cardiovascular risk factorsSubscription
Antidepressant treatment could assist weight lossSubscription
Anti-inflammatory drugs found to exert antidepressant effectSubscription
Switching from MDIs could reduce carbon impact of inhalers and save money Subscription
Benzodiazepine and Z-drug prescribing linked to socioeconomic deprivationSubscription
