CPPE: Pharmacy Conversations – Details, episodes & analysis

The inaugural episode of CPPE's Pharmacy Conversations podcast series dives into the crucial topic of leadership within the profession. In this episode, our hosts Jo Lane and Hayley Berry welcome two distinguished leaders in pharmacy: Jane Brown and Nicola Stockmann.

Their conversation explores key trends and exciting innovations in pharmacy, and addresses the importance of continuous professional development and education. Jane and Nicola also discuss how aspiring pharmacy leaders professionals can influence policy and advocate for the profession, and share some personal insights on mentoring and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the career pathways and leadership styles of two prominent pharmacy leaders, including the challenges they have faced and the strategies they used to overcome them. 
2. Analyse the leadership strategies discussed in the episode and apply these strategies to develop your approach to leadership in your professional practice. 
3. Evaluate the importance of mentorship and continuous professional development in pharmacy leadership and formulate a personal plan to seek out mentorship and educational opportunities that support your career development.

Resources mentioned

• CPPE’s Leadership learning gateway
• CPPE’s Leading for change programme
• The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer's Pharmacy leaders’ development programme
• Coaching support from CPPE

Had a listen? Let us know what you thought.

In our next episode… we will focus on prescribing and the evolving role of pharmacy professionals in this critical area.

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In our second episode, hosts Hayley Berry and Sarah Hounsell dive into the evolving world of pharmacist prescribers, showcasing how pharmacists are increasingly taking on roles that extend beyond traditional pharmacy practices. They speak with three pharmacist prescribers: Kayleigh Davison, Suhrab Sayfi and James Williams – all of whom are making significant contributions across different healthcare settings.

Tune in and hear valuable insights for pharmacists considering a move into prescribing, and for anyone interested in the broader implications of pharmacist prescribers in healthcare.

Learning outcomes

• Describe the roles and responsibilities of pharmacist prescribers in various healthcare settings, including primary care, secondary care, and community pharmacy.
• Analyse the challenges and opportunities associated with pharmacist prescribing and apply this understanding to evaluate the potential benefits of integrating prescribing roles into your practice.
• Evaluate the necessary steps and qualifications for becoming a pharmacist prescriber and develop a personal action plan to pursue independent prescribing if desired and appropriate for your role.

Resources and organisations mentioned

• CPPE, Prescribing learning gateway
• CPPE, Preparing to train as an independent prescriber programme
• CPPE, Extending the scope of prescribing practice e-course
• CPPE, Coaching support
• NHS England Workforce, training and education, Independent Prescribing information Primary Care Pharmacy Association (PCPA)
• Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS)
• UK Clinical Pharmacy Association (UKCPA)

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In our next episode… we will focus on antimicrobial stewardship. 

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In this episode of CPPE Pharmacy Conversations, hosts Jo Lane and Rina Babla are joined by two distinguished guests, Fran Garraghan, a consultant pharmacist specialising in antimicrobial stewardship, and Dr Kieran Hand, national pharmacy and prescribing clinical lead for NHS England’s antimicrobial resistance (AMR) program.

With World Antimicrobial Resistance Week approaching, this timely discussion delves into one of the most critical public health challenges of our time: antimicrobial resistance.

The conversation covers a range of topics, from the national and global landscape of AMR to the specific roles that pharmacy professionals can play in combating the issue. The guests share insights on the current trends, highlight the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and discuss practical initiatives that professionals can take both in hospital settings and community pharmacies.

Key topics include:

• The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance on both national and global levels.
• The UK’s National AMR Action Plan and its five primary targets, including reducing antibiotic use and raising awareness among healthcare professionals and the public.
• The role of pharmacy professionals in prescribing, antimicrobial stewardship and educating the public.
• Practical strategies for engaging healthcare teams and driving change at the local and national levels.

Learning outcomes

1. Understand the scope and impact of antimicrobial resistance on global health, identifying key factors driving the rise of resistant infections
2. Analyse the role of pharmacy professionals in antimicrobial stewardship, evaluating current best practices for reducing antibiotic use and implementing antimicrobial resistance strategies
3. Apply effective interventions in daily practice, such as antibiotic prescribing protocols and patient education strategies, to contribute to the national and global goal of reducing antimicrobial resistance

Useful resources:

CPPE, Antimicrobial resistance learning gateway

WHO, World AMR Awareness Week

UK Health Security Agency, World AMR Awareness Week 2024 Toolkit

Antibiotic Guardian

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In our next episode… we will focus on patient safety.

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In this episode of the CPPE Pharmacy Conversations podcast, hosts Jo Lane and Sejal Parikh explore the critical topic of patient safety with a focus on the medicines valproate and topiramate.

They are joined by Tony Jamieson, a leading figure in patient safety at NHS England, and Shy Teli, who has been instrumental in developing educational resources around the safe use of valproate.

The conversation begins with an introduction to the significance of valproate in treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder, as well as the severe risks associated with its use during pregnancy. We then discuss the complexities of ensuring patient safety, particularly in the context of women of childbearing age who are prescribed valproate.

Learning outcomes

• Describe the risks associated with valproate (and topiramate) use during pregnancy and the critical role pharmacy professionals play in ensuring patient safety through effective communication and engagement.
• Apply knowledge gained from the episode to demonstrate how to initiate and conduct sensitive conversations with people about valproate, including discussions about contraception and potential side effects.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your current patient safety practices and implement strategies to improve the management of medications like valproate and topiramate, utilising resources such as CPPE training materials and national guidelines.

Resources and organisations mentioned

• CPPE, Valproate: the hard conversations focal point workshop

• CPPE, Consultation skills learning gateway

• CPPE, Patient safety learning gateway

• MHRA, Valproate safety measures

• NICE, Spotlight on valproate prescribing

Had a listen? Let us know what you think.

In our next episode… we will focus on genomics.

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In this episode, hosts Hayley Berry and Jo Lane take us into the fascinating and rapidly evolving world of genomics in pharmacy.

Joining the conversation are three leading experts: Emma Groves, pharmacy lead at NHS North East and Yorkshire Genomic Medicine Service Alliance; Catherine Tucker, senior clinical pharmacist at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; and Hayley Wickins, consultant pharmacist in Genomic Medicine at NHS Central and South Genomics. 

Genomics is transforming healthcare, offering the potential for personalised medicine tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup. Pharmacy professionals are at the forefront of this revolution, integrating genomic insights into their practice to optimise treatment and improve patient outcomes. 

The discussion explores:

• The basics of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics, with practical examples.
• How genomics is influencing personalised treatment, including for conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
• The role of pharmacy teams in implementing genomic testing and supporting patients.
• Key projects, such as the PROGRESS clinical trial, and insights into how pharmacy professionals can get involved in this exciting field. 

The guests share their journeys, practical advice, and resources for pharmacy professionals to enhance their genomic literacy and engage with this groundbreaking area of healthcare. 

Learning outcomes

• Describe the principles of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics, including how genetic variations influence a person’s response to medicines and the implications for personalised care. 
• Recognise examples of pharmacogenomic testing and explain how genomic insights can optimise treatment and reduce medication-related harm. 
• Evaluate the resources and training opportunities available to enhance genomic literacy and implement strategies to integrate genomic medicine into pharmacy practice.

Resources mentioned 

British Oncology Pharmacy Association  

CPPE:Introduction to genomics in pharmacy e-learning  

CPPE:Genomics in pharmacy: an introduction to person-centred consultations e-learning

Medicines Learning Portal, Pharmacogenomics

National Genomics Education Programme (NHS England)  

NHS Genomic Networks of Excellence

NHS North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance, PROGRESS project 

Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Pharmacogenomics – the future of pharmacy

UK Clinical Pharmacy Association, Genomics community

In our next episode… we will focus on deprescribing. 

Had a listen? Let us know what you think. 

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Join us for the last episode of Season 1! We hope you’ve enjoyed the conversations as much as we have – and Season 2 is just around the corner! So, without further ado…

Join hosts Jo Lane and Hayley Berry as they navigate deprescribing – the process of safely reducing or stopping medications that may no longer be beneficial. Joining them are two esteemed experts: Clare Howard and Jonathan Underhill, who share their wealth of experience and practical insights.

You’ll walk away with actionable guidance on deprescribing initiatives, shared decision making and the collaborative roles of multidisciplinary teams.

The discussion explores:

• The urgency and importance of deprescribing in managing polypharmacy for older adults
• Shared decision making as a cornerstone for person-centred care
• Strategies and tools, such as the Polypharmacy Comparators and structured medication reviews, for prioritising and managing deprescribing efforts
• Real-world examples of deprescribing preventing patient harm and improving outcomes
• Roles of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and the broader healthcare team in driving cultural and systematic change

Tune in for an enlightening discussion filled with expert advice, practical tips and inspiring stories that showcase the transformative potential of deprescribing in modern pharmacy practice.

Learning outcomes

• Describe the principles of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics, including how genetic variations influence a person’s response to medicines and the implications for personalised care
• Recognise examples of pharmacogenomic testing and explain how genomic insights can optimise treatment and reduce medication-related harm
• Evaluate the resources and training opportunities available to enhance genomic literacy and implement strategies to integrate genomic medicine into pharmacy practice

Resources mentioned

CPPE, Structured medication review e-course

CPPE, Shared decision making e-course

Health Innovation Network, Polypharmacy programme

Health Innovation Wessex, Polypharmacy QI posters

NHSBSA, Polypharmacy prescribing comparators

NICE, Shared decision making guidelines

Had a listen? Let us know what you think.

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In this episode, hosts Jo Lane and Hayley Berry are joined by Ami Hale, a mental health pharmacist at Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust, and Graham Newton, Lead Pharmacist for Education and Training at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. Together, they delve into the vital and sometimes challenging topic of mental health in pharmacy practice.

The discussion explores the complexities of having difficult conversations with patients, particularly around suicide, medicines optimisation and deprescribing in mental health. Ami and Graham share their experiences and insights on how pharmacy professionals can navigate sensitive discussions with empathy, confidence and professionalism.

If you’re a pharmacy professional looking to enhance your confidence in mental health consultations, or considering a career in mental health pharmacy, this episode provides valuable insights and expert guidance.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:

• Demonstrate active listening and effective communication skills when engaging in difficult conversations with patients about mental health, including discussions around suicide and deprescribing.
• Evaluate the role of pharmacy professionals in supporting patients with mental health conditions, including risk assessment, safeguarding and signposting to appropriate services.
• Develop a reflective approach to managing emotionally challenging conversations, recognising personal limitations and implementing strategies to maintain professional wellbeing while supporting patients effectively.

Resources mentioned

• CPPE’s Mental health learning gateway for links to a variety of resources
• CPPE, Shared decision making e-course
• NHS England Workforce Training and Education, We need to talk about suicide e-learning
• NICE guideline [NG22], Depression in adults: treatment and management – Recommendations
• Royal College of Psychiatrists, Stopping antidepressants
• Zero Suicide Alliance, ZSA Suicide Awareness Training

In this episode of CPPE Pharmacy Conversations, host Jo Lane is joined by Rachael Lemon, a highly regarded pharmacy professional and leadership coach.

Together, they explore the critical topics of well-being and resilience in pharmacy practice—essential skills for navigating the high-pressure environment of healthcare.

Rachael shares insights from her career journey, discussing how pharmacy professionals can set boundaries, develop personal resilience, and foster a supportive team culture. She highlights practical strategies to maintain well-being, prevent burnout, and cultivate leadership skills at all levels.

Whether you're a pharmacist, pharmacy technician, trainee or part of a wider healthcare team, this episode offers valuable strategies to help you thrive, rather than just survive, in your role.

Listen now and take the first step toward a more resilient and sustainable pharmacy career!

Learning Outcomes

After listening to this episode, you will be able to:

• Recognise the impact of workplace pressures on well-being and resilience and understand the importance of self-care in delivering high-quality patient care.
• Apply practical strategies to manage workload effectively, including setting boundaries and saying ‘no’ when necessary.
• Develop techniques to foster a positive and supportive work culture, ensuring pharmacy teams can thrive even in demanding environments.

Resources Mentioned

• Association of Pharmacy Technicians (APTUK)
• APTUK and Pharmacy Support pharmacy technicians factsheet
• Calm app for sleep, mediation and relaxation
• CPPE guide 'Being resilient'
• CPPE guide 'De-stress you'
• CPPE guide 'Overcoming anxiety'
• CPPE guide 'Work life balance'
• Insight Timer guided meditation
• Mental Health First Aide England
• MIND
• Pharmacist Support
• Resilience Research Centre
• Royal Pharmaceutical Society one-to-one support(for RPS members)
• The Mindful Movement YouTube channel – guided meditations

We hope you enjoyed this episode of CPPE Pharmacy Conversations!

Your feedback and ideas are invaluable to us. If you have thoughts on today’s discussion or suggestions for future topics, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via feedback@cppe.ac.uk.

Or complete this feedback form - we read every response!

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In this episode of CPPE Pharmacy Conversations, hosts Hayley Berry and Jo Lane explore how digital health and technology are transforming pharmacy practice. Joining them are Oliver Savage, an Advanced Clinical Pharmacist in Electronic Medicines Management at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and Jordan Reynolds, Lead Pharmacy Technician for EPMA and Pharmacy IT Systems at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.

Together, they discuss how electronic prescribing, AI-driven decision support, automation, and interoperability are reshaping pharmacy services, improving patient safety, efficiency, and healthcare delivery. They also share insights into emerging innovations such as robotic process automation, AI-powered medicine reviews, and virtual health solutions.

Listeners will gain a practical understanding of the digital transformation in pharmacy, including how to develop essential digital skills, overcome implementation challenges, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

If you’re a pharmacy professional keen to integrate digital tools into your clinical practice, enhance the care of people through technology, or explore career opportunities in digital pharmacy, this episode provides valuable insights and expert guidance.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:

• Explain the role of digital health in improving pharmacy practice, including how electronic prescribing, automation, and AI enhance efficiency and patient safety.
• Evaluate the challenges and barriers to integrating digital health solutions in pharmacy and propose strategies to overcome resistance to change, ensure interoperability, and improve training in digital systems.
• Develop a personal action plan for building digital health skills, including exploring formal training opportunities, networking with digital pharmacy professionals, and engaging with technology-driven projects in the workplace.

Resources

CPPE How digital technology can transform care e-learning

Digital Health Rewired conference

Healthcare Conferences UK, Optimising electronicprescribing & medicines administration (ePMA) in hospitals conference

Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber, Digital ambassadorprogramme

Health Innovation Network NENC e-prescribing masterclass

NHS digital academy

YouTube, Generative AI in a nutshell

Australian self-directed CBT

In this inspiring episode of CPPE Pharmacy Conversations, hosts Jo Lane and Hayley Berry are joined by Sadie Pinkney, CPPE’s current Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow, and Rahul Singal, one of the first pharmacy professionals to take up the fellowship back in 2015 and now Chief Pharmacy and Medicines Information Officer at NHS England.

Together, they discuss the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellowship scheme—a prestigious, year-long leadership development programme designed to equip pharmacy professionals with the skills and networks to influence national healthcare policy and service delivery.

Sadie and Rahul offer candid insights into their experiences as fellows, including the opportunities and challenges of stepping into high-profile national roles, the importance of mentorship and professional networks, and how the fellowship has shaped their careers and leadership capabilities.

The episode also explores top tips for applying, the value of the fellowship within the wider context of pharmacy, and how it aligns with broader initiatives in inclusive leadership, talent development, and strategic thinking within the NHS.

Whether you're curious about applying for a clinical fellowship or seeking to develop as a future leader in pharmacy, this episode offers both practical advice and motivational insights.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:

• Describe the structure and purpose of the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellowship and its role in developing leadership capabilities for pharmacy professionals.
• Reflect on the value of mentorship, networking, and national exposure in supporting personal and professional growth within pharmacy practice.
• Identify opportunities for leadership development and formulate an action plan for engaging with fellowship schemes or related initiatives, using tools such as the NHS Talent Management Toolkit.

Resources

CPPE leading for change programme

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s pharmacy leaders development programme

Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow Scheme

NHS England, Talent management resource tool