Guest Blog 11: Unleashing the Superpowers of Independent Prescribing: My Journey as a Pharmacist

I am delighted to release Guest Blog 11 here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk

This Blog entry has been provided by Genevieve Boateng who is a Clinical Pharmacist within the United Kingdom.

The Blog outlines the positive impact that the Independent Prescribing qualification can have. I love it! Here we go…..

“As a pharmacist with seven years of experience, two of which as an independent prescriber, I can confidently state that independent prescribing has revolutionised the practice of pharmacy.

With this capability, I am able to assess patients, diagnose them, and provide medications without the need for a physician's authorisation. This technique allows for faster and better care for patients. For instance, if a patient comes in with a urinary tract infection and I recognise the symptoms, I can quickly provide the appropriate antibiotics instead of having to wait for a doctor's prescription. This not only saves time, but also improves patient outcomes by providing immediate and necessary treatment. 

As an independent prescriber, I am able to work in a way that is much more independent and cooperative with other healthcare workers. This not only increases the quality of service I can offer, but it also allows me to use my skills and knowledge to the greatest possible extent.

Additionally, being an IP opens up the chance to specialise in certain fields of medicine. I can focus on things like diabetes management or women's health, and this lets me become an authority in a particular area, giving my patients the very best care.

Becoming an independent prescriber comes with its own set of unique challenges. As an IP, I must guarantee that the medications I'm prescribing are suitable and secure for my patients. To make sure I'm delivering the best care I can, I have to stay informed of the most recent studies and regulations.

In summary, independent prescribing is an exciting career path for pharmacists that allows us to provide treatment quicker, more effectively, and more deliberately. It's an accomplishment I'm proud of and it has given me the chance to make use of my knowledge and skills to the highest degree and make a real difference in my patients' lives. If you're a pharmacist searching for a new challenge, I strongly recommend taking a look at independent prescribing as an alternate career path.”

Genevieve Boateng

Clinical Pharmacist

Genevieve Boateng, UK Independent Pharmacist Prescriber