What's Happening?
As pharmacists prepare to join the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register as independent prescribers in 2026, there is an increased focus on calculation competency. The Common Registration Assessment
(CRA) ensures pharmacists can perform accurate pharmaceutical calculations, crucial for patient safety. This includes complex dosing regimens for high-risk drugs and precise calculations in urgent care settings. Pharmacy education now integrates calculation skills with clinical scenarios, assessed through various formats to ensure readiness. The GPhC's framework aims to keep assessments dynamic and reflective of current pharmacy practices.
Why It's Important?
The emphasis on calculation competency is critical as pharmacists take on prescribing roles, increasing their responsibility in patient care. Accurate calculations are essential to prevent medication errors, which can have severe consequences. By ensuring pharmacists are well-prepared, the healthcare system can maintain high standards of patient safety and trust. This focus also highlights the evolving role of pharmacists, who are becoming integral in direct patient care and decision-making. The changes in education and assessment reflect a broader trend towards more comprehensive and practical training for healthcare professionals.
What's Next?
The GPhC is considering changes to the assessment process, including a flexible 'on-demand' model for exams. This approach could offer more autonomy to trainees but poses challenges in logistics and standardization. The ongoing evolution of pharmacy education and assessment will likely continue, with potential adjustments to ensure pharmacists are equipped to meet the demands of modern healthcare. Stakeholders in pharmacy education and regulation will need to collaborate to implement these changes effectively, balancing innovation with the need for rigorous quality assurance.
