Evaluation of the role of the pharmacist independent prescribing service in community pharmacy in Wales: a mixed-method evaluation

Alshakmobarak, Najala 2026. Evaluation of the role of the pharmacist independent prescribing service in community pharmacy in Wales: a mixed-method evaluation. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Since the Independent Prescribing Service (IPS) pilot launch in Wales in 2020 and its inclusion in the community pharmacy Wales contract, the number of pharmacist independent prescribers (PIPs) in pharmacies has risen, especially tripling from 2023 to 2025 (Willis 2025b). However, there remains a lack of published literature examining this. The current thesis seeks to address this gap using a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the role of PIPs in community pharmacies in Wales. Two quantitative studies analysed secondary data on prescribing, PIPs, and IPS activity across Health Boards (HBs) in Wales from 2020 to 2022. In addition, a qualitative study comprising semi-structured interviews with PIPs and key informants (KIs), and a cross-sectional survey using a Likert scale in selected community pharmacies, explored IPS users’ satisfaction. Findings reveal that the number of active PIPs rose from 30 in early 2020 to 302 by late 2022 across all HBs. IPS consultations increased from 2,038 in 2020 (7%) to 8,652 in 2021 (28%), before rising further to 19,712 by September 2022 (65%). The most common IPS conditions were related to the ear (n=7,527), skin (n=5,481), Upper Respiratory Tract (URT) (n=3,837), and Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs) (n=5,048). Thematic analysis of the interviews showed a positive PIPs and KIs view of this increase, as it was perceived to improve patient care access, reduce General Practitioners (GPs) pressure, and boost PIPs' motivation and job satisfaction for managing chronic conditions. However, barriers like communication issues and isolation were noted by some PIPs. Findings from the IPS satisfaction data showed users’ satisfaction was heavily skewed towards the highest ratings. All responses on the Likert scale were very positive, including accessibility and approachability (93%), service users’ consultation experience (95%), reusability and recommendation (95%), and support for expansion (74%). Further research with GPs is needed to explore perceptions of PIPs in community pharmacies, improve integration, and strengthen IPS delivery.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Pharmacy
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	18 May 2026
Last Modified:	19 May 2026 11:56
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187028

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