Distribution of UK specialist clinical pharmacy staffing levels in women抯 health, results of a benchmarking survey...Royal Pharmaceutical Society Annual Conference, November 7, 2025, London, United Kingdom
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All Authors
van Zuylen,Zo�Kampouraki,Emmanouela
LTHT Author
Kampouraki, Emmanouela
LTHT Department
Medicines Management & Pharmacy Services
Non Medic
Specialist Clinical Pharmacist
Publication Date
2025
Item Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Subject
Subject Headings
Abstract
Introduction: The presence of adequate staffing levels in healthcare can greatly affect patient outcomes and experience 1,2]. With regards to women抯 health (WH), nursing and midwifery staffing levels have been examined and their impact on infant, maternal and perinatal mortality has been well documented in the literature. However, there are currently no standards to measure appropriate staffing levels in pharmacy for WH specialists and their associated impact on patient outcomes. It is hard to set such standards when there is no information around the current WH staffing levels within the NHS. WH pharmacists often cover neonatal and/or paediatrics too and only a subsection of them consider their primary specialisation to be WH Aim: We aimed to explore the current levels of NHS staff working in WH clinical pharmacy services across the UK, with focus on secondary care. Methodology: A nationwide online benchmarking survey querying levels of clinical pharmacy services in secondary care WH areas was designed and disseminated across the UK. We used a variety of channels to invite service leads to respond, including the UK Clinical Pharmacy Association WH, neonatal and Chief Pharmacist networks among others. Data were analysed in combination with publicly available maternity statistics 3]. This study did not require ethical approval. Results: In total, 87 UK Trusts with maternity units (59%) responded to the survey between December 2024 and July 2025, with good representation from the majority of areas. Increased proportion of pharmacy staff was observed in almost all band levels with increasing quartile of deliveries, which is a marker of maternity acuity. However, pharmacy technicians were inconsistent with this observation. In addition, University/Teaching hospitals had greater representation of all Pharmacist levels, technicians and other support staff compared with District General Hospitals. However, the difference in band 8A was minor. Discussion: Benchmarking of WH pharmacy staffing has not been undertaken before, but has been done in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Pharmacy services 4]. The findings of this novel study show that there is great variation in staffing levels across the UK. The proportion of pharmacy workforce was consistent with maternity acuity and University/Teaching Hospital status. Future business cases for additional staffing in WH specialisation and national professional standards of pharmacy services should consider these findings.
Journal
International Journal of Pharmacy Practice