Inconsistent pharmacy leadership in ICSs fuels professional disconnect, PPP report says

Pharmacy leadership at ICB level combined with broader support for the sector is required to unlock its full potential and enable the true integration of pharmacy services

"Only around half of ICSs have a Chief Pharmacist," indicating a significant gap in leadership that hampers the pharmacy sector's ability to influence critical healthcare decision, a report on medicine optimisation by the Public Policy Projects (PPP) highlights.

In PPP's latest report, a notable concern highlighted is the inadequate representation of pharmacy leadership within Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) despite the role of pharmacy being "central in the delivery of system priorities, with pivotal roles in improving population health and tackling inequalities".

In recent years, the role of pharmacy within the NHS has evolved significantly with recent developments including Pharmacy First Services and legislative amendments that allows pharmacy technicians under PGDs to administer and supply medicines.

However, there is a visible lack of representation of pharmacists in senior leadership positions.

As per the Health and Care Act 2022 "the appointment of an integrated care board (ICB) Chief Pharmacist" is not mandatory, and roundtable attendees at PPP on on the 15th February 2024 at noted that to date, "only around half of ICSs have a Chief Pharmacist."

This deficiency in leadership roles within ICSs is underscored as a barrier to effective medicines optimisation and collaborative healthcare delivery.

Without mandated Chief Pharmacist positions, pharmacy's voice in crucial areas such as healthcare planning, procurement, and commissioning remains limited.

The report notes that this absence "contributes to a disconnect among the wider profession," limiting the sector's impact on system-wide healthcare strategies and undermines pharmacy's involvement in shaping integrated care initiatives.

It also diminishes its ability to advocate for patient-centered approaches, investment-oriented strategies and highlights challenges including  "the inconsistency of pharmacy professionals in positions of senior leadership across ICSs."

Furthermore, it limits pharmacy's capacity to engage effectively in contracting and commissioning conversations within ICSs, crucial arenas where decisions impacting medicines usage and patient care are made.

As stated in the report, "Without adequate leadership at ICB level, pharmacy has less opportunity to influence procurement opportunities that could drive transformation and efficiencies around the use of medicines."

Advocating for policy reforms that mandate Chief Pharmacist roles within ICBs and ensuring pharmacy's integral participation in healthcare governance and decision-making processes, the report recommends:

"Enabling pharmacy professionals to advocate effectively for their role in delivering patient-centric care and driving value-based healthcare outcomes."

"Stronger pharmacy leadership structures and the ability for pharmacy professionals to fulfil cross-sector appointments" are just some of the "essential steps necessary to truly

integrate pharmacy services within ICSs."

By addressing these challenges, the pharmacy profession can play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality and cost-effective care