The GPhC and RPS today published a joint statement aimed at highlighting the importance of regulatory and professional standards and guidance as a way to protect patient safety and to promote responsibility and professionalism.
The joint statement explains that regulatory and professional standards have the same overarching purpose, to provide a framework that helps to ensure good care which is focused on patients.
The statement makes clear that pharmacists should always consider what is in the best interests of the patient. It also states that pharmacy professionals must be guided by their education and training and ongoing CPD; consider the standards and guidance (both regulatory and professional) that are relevant to the situation; and understand the legal framework in which they are operating.
The joint statement was launched at a joint RPS/GPhC event in which key pharmacy stakeholders discussed ways in which patient advice about medicines could be improved.
Commenting on the statement, Duncan Rudkin, chief executive of the GPhC said:
“There is of course a difference between regulatory and professional standards and guidance. However, in order to deliver patient centred care and good quality outcomes, pharmacists and their teams should be aware of and use all relevant standards and guidance, both regulatory and professional.”
Helen Gordon, chief executive of the RPS said:
“Both the regulatory and professional standards have the same overarching purpose, to provide a framework that helps to ensure good care which is focused on patients.
As a professional body, we support and empower our members to improve health outcomes for patients and the public through providing professional guidance in all areas of practice. We will continue to work to develop professional standards which are supportive and enabling whilst also professionally challenging to support pharmacists in achieving excellence”.