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Students are suffering with uncertainty which increases their sense of being underprepared to become a qualified pharmacist and raises the barriers to registration, says Ruby Howarth…

Uncertainty and delving into the unknown of foundation year training has always been on the minds of undergraduate pharmacy students.

But it is becoming more evident and an increasing worry with the problems surrounding securing designated prescribing practitioners (DPPs).

With the current foundation trainees qualifying as independent prescribers, the need for DPPs is at the forefront of trainees’ minds. In order to be signed off as competent prescriber, trainees are assessed against the 53 General Pharmaceutical Council standards and they must complete the full 90 hours (12 days) of supervised prescribing by DPPs.

However, many trainees have been hit by the shortage of DPPs, placing a substantial amount of pressure to find and source a mentor, adding complications to an already stressful situation.

Realities of prescribing in practice to trainees

DPPs are not only essential in solidifying confidence in clinical prescribing skills, but they also play a key role in installing competency, knowledge and provide insight into the realities of prescribing in practice to trainees. They are key in sharing experiences and clinical judgement in difficult and complex situations, for example, during medication shortages or polypharmacy patients.

They provide reassurance to trainees that they are on the right track to provide safe and effective care, ensuring high quality prescribing education. Also, DPPs enable trainees to feel confident in their practice. It’s a role that gives back leadership, mentorship, supervision, trust, delegation and yet there is still a shortage.

For students going through the Oriel process and looking into their future training providers, it’s a burning question and hot topic for hosts. Amongst other queries and concerns, it builds to the list of factors that students consider in Oriel preferencing.

For hosts, it’s a grey area. For applicants it’s an unknown, highlighting the importance of transparency and communication from both parties.

This uncertainty is reflected in undergraduates and increases the feelings of being underprepared and unequipped to become a qualified pharmacist. It widens the gap between students and trainees, enhancing the barriers to registration.

When students feel unready and unable to meet the demands of the workforce, it impacts their mental health and wellbeing, as well as struggling to fully create a professional identity. Without sufficient support, development is impaired and students may be more reluctant to ask for help.

Not every trainee or student will experience this, but the variation between experiences is notable. Some trainees may have a reliable mentor, others may suffer from the shortage of DPPs, causing anxieties and experience isolation during the process, particularly in high-stake pressurised situations.

Whilst everyone is adapting to the new requirements, it is important to keep trainees and students’ voices at the heart of decision-making and policy implementation. The British Pharmaceutical Students' Association (BPSA) has been advocating these issues through articles in the press, plus to wider stakeholders and governing bodies, providing direct student and trainee feedback into vital conversations shaping the future workforce.

The BPSA is also collecting feedback and gathering further information from trainees currently in the field through a survey. To have your say, fill out the form here. 

Reportedly, 400 trainees currently do not have a DPP for their foundation year training. If you are struggling to source a DPP, there are websites and resources available for connecting trainees with DPPs.

You are not alone. The BPSA is here to help, alongside Pharmacists’ Support, Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Health and Education Improvement Wales and the Pharmacists’ Defence Association. Your voice is being advocated and actioned.  

Ruby Howarth is publications officer at the British Pharmaceutical Students' Association.