Aims and objectives

Medicines safety underpins our vision of pharmacists as guardians of patient safety and welfare, maximising the benefits of medicines and minimising the risks caused by adverse effects. It is continually viewed by our membership as their number one priority they want their professional body to address. It is a significant part of our outward facing role and continuing mission to present pharmacists to other healthcare professionals and the public as the ‘experts in medicines’. Attention needs to be given to information on patient medication at the point of transfer of care, and the increasing role that technology can play in making Great Britain a safer place to take medicines. Pharmacists need to be supported to be able to spend more time with their patients helping them to understand their medicines so they can be taken safely and as intended.

This symposium will address many facets associated with this topic as we highlight two key areas, firstly communication and how when implemented effectively across care platforms we can deliver safer medicine, as we offer an opportunity to hear the latest update around our work on Transfer of Care, as well as the management of medication across care sectors. Secondly we look at the increasingly important role that technology is playing in medicines safety as we hear from those involved at the forefront of developments in this area and how it is being used for patient benefit. Our afternoon session is broken into three sessions, of which you will have an opportunity to attend two. They will look at key areas in medicines safety including: improving health literacy, showcase examples of what pharmacy is doing well and how it is achieving success and finally looking at your role and how reflecting on your day to day activities can reduce stress in the workplace resulting in the safer care of your patients.
There are a lot of challenges ahead but during the symposium we will demonstrate how we, as a profession, are working within pharmacy and across care platforms to deliver safer medicines.

Who should attend?

This symposium is aimed at both members and non-members who have an interest in medicines safety and the pro-active role that pharmacy is taking in this priority area. The symposium deals with issues in Hospital, Clinical and Community Pharmacy as we bring together speakers from within and outside of the profession to discuss successes and challenges. There will be an opportunity throughout the programme for your input and feedback as well as focuses discussions around key areas in our breakout sessions. We hope you will be able to join us for our first RPS Medicines safety Symposium.