Pharmacist takes key role brokering NICE accreditation for RPS
Thu, 27 Apr 2017 10:44:00 BST
Mahendra Patel’s positions with NICE and RPS enabled him to unite the pair
THE portfolio of appointments held by the University of Huddersfield’s Dr Mahendra Patel has enabled him to broker an accreditation that will play a key role in ensuring high prescription standards by pharmacists – especially important as their role in healthcare expands.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – which provides guidance on which drugs the NHS uses – has accredited the process whereby the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) develops its professional standards and guidance.
Dr Patel – Principal Enterprise Fellow in Pharmacy at the University of Huddersfield – is vice chair of the NICE Accreditation Committee and a board member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS). This meant he was in an ideal position to persuade the twin organisations to meet and discuss the value of accreditation.
“I initiated the process, but at that point I stepped away because of my clear conflict of interest,” said Dr Patel.
He is delighted that the RPS has now attained what he describes as a “gold standard” accreditation from NICE. It is one that has only been given to organisations producing guidance and standards using an approved and robust process which has successfully met the rigours of NICE scrutiny.
Also, since September, NICE has no longer taken new submissions for accreditation, which confirms that pharmacy’s professional body is among the elite in being badged with the NICE accreditation mark.
“Accreditation is an international stamp of recognition and endorsement of the pharmacy profession’s drive to help pharmacists engage in evidence practice with confidence and assurance,” said Dr Patel.
The accreditation, which is valid for five years, covers the RPS Competency Framework for all prescribers, which aims to “help healthcare professionals to be safe, effective prescribers”. Accreditation can be now attached to any new standard and guidance, providing these have been developed using the approved process manual.
