ObjectiveThis study explored National Health Service (NHS) pharmacists’ perceptions and experiences of pharmacist-led research in the workplace.DesignSemistructured, face-to-face discussions continued until distinct clusters of opinion characteristics formed. Verbatim transcripts of audio-recordings were subjected to framework analysis.SettingInterviews were carried out with 54 pharmacists with diverse backgrounds and roles from general practices and secondary care in the UK's largest health authority.ResultsThe purpose and potential of health services research (HSR) was understood and acknowledged to be worthwhile by participants, but a combination of individual and system-related themes tended to make participation difficult, except when this was part of formal postgraduate education leading to a qualification. Lack of prioritisation was routinely cited as the greatest barrier, with motivation, confidence and competence as additional impediments. System-related themes included lack of practical support and pharmacy professional issues. A minority of highly motivated individuals managed to embed research participation into routine activity.ConclusionsMost pharmacists realised the desirability and necessity of research to underpin pharmacy service expansion, but a combination of individual and professional level changes is needed to increase activity. Our findings provide a starting point for better understanding the mindset of hospital-based and general practice-based pharmacists towards research, as well as their perceived barriers and supports.

-The Royal College of Physicians report

The diagnosis of screen-positive babies proved difficult in a minority of cases with the classification of some patients changing with evolving phenotype. Our results illustrate the importance of collecting outcome data over a long time period for accurate assessment of the screening programme. This study provides evidence that newborn screening for CF is a valid undertaking that detects 95% of unsuspected CF cases presenting before 3 years of age.

Objectives Most patients receive systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) as day cases and toxicities, if they occur, are likely to appear first in primary care. Pharmaceutical care can be delivered by community pharmacists, but little is known about the epidemiology of SACT toxicities in the community and potential interventions to address these which raise the following questions: what are the typologies of SACT-associated toxicities experienced by community-based patients and what are the associated pharmaceutical care issues (PCIs)? The aim of this study was to identify toxicities and pharmaceutical care issues of patients prescribed SACT for lung cancer and understand the potential for community pharmacists to deliver aspects of cancer care including toxicity management. Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical records of patients prescribed oral and parenteral SACT in 2013–14, to describe patient characteristics; SACT toxicity; PCIs and episodes of unscheduled care. Key findings Twelve categories of toxicity and 13 categories of PCIs were identified from 50 patients. More PCIs were observed with oral SACT/oral-parenteral combinations than with parenteral regimens. The PCIs which could be managed by community pharmacists were mucositis; skin toxicity; gastrointestinal toxicity; reinforcing patient education and identification/prevention of drug interactions. Conclusions Community pharmacists are ideally placed to provide pharmaceutical care to patients with lung cancer prescribed SACT. Cancer specialists in secondary care can signpost patients to community pharmacists for early management of low-grade SACT toxicity.

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