Workforce planning challenges

Part 1: Workforce planning- how do we futureproof to meet our population needs?

This presentation will look at the current challenges facing pharmacy in terms of having sufficient numbers of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and assistants to meet our patients' healthcare needs. It will also look at potential solutions to the relatively  diverse range of problems being faced in this regard,  including the promotion of pharmacy as a career, the  use of technology and skill mix optimisation. The importance of clearly defined and universally accepted evidence-based roles/functions will also be discussed in the context of defining staff requirements. The need to maximise the existing workforce and ensure that the three main employing sectors, namely hospital, community and practice-based, work effectively together in an integrated manner will also  be addressed.

Part 2: Becoming a Clinical Pharmacist: if I'd known then, what I know now (Ruari O'Connell)

This session will cover:

• A description of my journey to becoming a clinical pharmacist including the successes and pitfalls I've encountered along the way. 
• How to recognise and transfer current skills and competencies to either move into primary care as a clinical pharmacist or further develop a current role of clinical pharmacist.  
• The importance of clear and effective communication between clinical pharmacists and community pharmacists (the original primary care pharmacists) for better patient outcomes. 
• Best use of Clinical Pharmacists in General Practice (some do's and don'ts).
• Finally, some thoughts on the way forward for clinical pharmacist in both General Practice and Primary Care Networks.