The General Pharmaceutical Council is consulting on new guidance for registered pharmacies providing pharmacy services at a distance.  A summary of the draft guidance below for pharmacy owners and Superintendent Pharmacists. 

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is consulting on proposed changes to its guidance for pharmacies providing pharmacy services at a distance “to help improve patient safety for patients and the public” getting medicines from online pharmacies.

The new guidance is specifically aimed at pharmacy owner and Superintendent Pharmacist, addressing what they should consider before deciding whether any parts of their pharmacy service can be provided safely and effectively at a distance.

Although the guidance is specifically aimed at pharmacy owners and Superintendent Pharmacists, it is worth noting that the guidance – and generally the GPhC standards – also require pharmacy ‘staff’ to be fully aware of these requirements.  Staff include:

• employees (both pharmacy professionals and other pharmacy staff)
• agency and contract workers, and
• any third parties who help the pharmacy provide any part of the pharmacy service

Draft guidance for registered pharmacies providing pharmacy services at a distance

The proposed guidance provides detailed guidelines when considering offering services remotely, including online. The key points are: 

1. Safety and Effectiveness: Emphasizes the importance of ensuring that any remote services are provided safely and effectively.
2. Patient Confidentiality: Stresses the need to maintain patient confidentiality and data protection.
3. Professional Standards: Highlights the necessity for pharmacies to adhere to professional standards and regulatory requirements.
4. Risk Management: Advises on identifying and managing potential risks associated with remote services.
5. Communication: Underlines the importance of clear and effective communication with patients.
6. Accessibility: Ensures that remote services are accessible to all patients, including those with disabilities.

This guidance aims to help pharmacies navigate the complexities of providing remote services while maintaining high standards of care and compliance with regulations.

The proposed guidance outlines five key principles for registered pharmacies providing services at a distance:

1. Governance and Risk Management: Pharmacies must have robust governance structures and risk management processes to ensure safe and effective service delivery.
2. Staff Competence and Training: All staff involved in providing remote services should be adequately trained and competent in their roles.
3. Patient Confidentiality and Data Protection: Pharmacies must ensure that patient information is kept confidential and secure, complying with data protection regulations.
4. Service Accessibility and Inclusivity: Remote services should be accessible to all patients, including those with disabilities or those who may face barriers to accessing traditional pharmacy services.
5. Communication and Patient Engagement: Clear and effective communication with patients is essential, ensuring they understand how to use the services and have access to support when needed.

Staff providing online consultations need to undergo specific training to ensure they can deliver safe, effective, and compliant services. Here are the key areas of training required:

1. Clinical Skills: Training in clinical assessment and decision-making to ensure accurate and effective consultations.
2. Communication Skills: Effective communication techniques for interacting with patients remotely, including managing consultations via video, phone, or chat.
3. Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with the digital tools and platforms used for online consultations, including troubleshooting common technical issues.
4. Data Protection and Confidentiality: Understanding of data protection laws and best practices to ensure patient information is kept secure and confidential.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines governing remote pharmacy services to ensure compliance.
6. Risk Management: Identifying and managing potential risks associated with providing remote consultations.