WINNER
"WHEN YOU ARE A PATIENT YOU EXPECT A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL TO BE ABLE TO HELP YOU, HOWEVER, DUE TO LEGAL IMPLICATIONS, ONE MAY FEEL STRONG BARRIERS IN PLACE. I BELIEVE THAT AS LONG AS YOU PUT THE PATIENT FIRST AND CAN JUSTIFY YOUR DECISION, THEN THAT IS WHAT MAKES A GREAT PHARMACIST. "
‘We launched our first newsletter in October 2015 which highlights changes in legislation, news from the RPS, BPSA and PDA plus competitions, and we’re currently developing an event around the rescheduling of cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule II substance. ‘I feel it is so important that students not only become involved with PLE, but have a passion for the subject too. The subject affects a pharmacist’s day-to-day decision making and - most importantly - has a profound effect on patient safety.
I then emailed students to ask for volunteers, one to lead the ‘For’ side and one to lead the ‘Against’ side. At the debate, we separated into groups and then listened to the points raised by both sides. We then came to an agreement which was ‘we believe in the autonomy of the Assisted Dying Bill, however further clarification and adjustments must be made’. I then wrote a blog on the debate which was published on the RPS website. I then decided to further develop the group as it had become more popular by advertising specific job roles. An events co-ordinator, social media co-ordinator, PR officer, publications officer and secretary were added. We now have our own facebook page ‘RGU Pharmacy Law and Ethics Group’ and Twitter page @RGUPharmLawEth which allows us to update students, follow news and communicate with pharmacy professionals and organisations.
‘When you are a patient you expect a healthcare professional to be able to help you, however, due to legal implications, one may feel strong barriers in place. I believe that as long as you put the patient first and can justify your decision, then that is what makes a great pharmacist.
‘I have been incredibly impressed with the other students who have helped the PLE group progress. If it wasn’t for them, the group wouldn’t exist. The job roles within the group has allowed CV enhancement and experience for the people involved. For the students who engage with the group, it has given them interesting topics to debate, improves communication skills and develops their critical thinking skills before pre-reg. The events, newsletter and social media pages directly gets pharmacy students involved.
‘The overall aim of the group is to produce a high-calibre cohort of
SCOTTISH PHARMACIST - 45
pharmacists in the future with a focus on improving communication, team working and patient safety.
‘Creating the PLE Group has enabled me to become involved with how the MPharm course is taught at RGU. This group is entirely student-led and it has allowed me to develop leadership
skills and has got myself and others thinking ‘What kind of pharmacist do I want to be in the future?’
‘I am totally committed to community pharmacy and I want to offer the best possible care to the public taking into account ethical considerations. The experience has shown me the power of teamwork. Although, I originally started the group, the group wouldn’t have advanced as much as it has in such a short period of time without the other group members. Their passion, ideas and opinions keep me motivated and focused on our goal. ‘The group has also taught me the importance of keeping up to date with pharmacy related news as new policies and legislation are put in place often. As pharmacy law and ethics is such a vast topic, I am continually learning about how a pharmacy professional must conduct themselves, standards of performance and patient care. I aim to further develop my knowledge in pharmacy law and ethics and encourage more students to do the same.’
"I HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLY IMPRESSED WITH THE OTHER STUDENTS WHO HAVE HELPED THE PLE GROUP PROGRESS. IF IT WASN’T FOR THEM, THE GROUP WOULDN’T EXIST. THE JOB ROLES WITHIN THE GROUP HAS ALLOWED CV ENHANCEMENT AND EXPERIENCE FOR THE PEOPLE INVOLVED."
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