New Framework to guide knowledge and skills needed in respiratory pharmacists

Respiratory disease is a significant burden on healthcare systems, and pharmacists are integral in improving patient outcomes through medication management. BTS encourages the support of respiratory pharmacists by promoting high standards, enabling professional development, and addressing workforce challenges such as recruitment, retention, and succession planning. 

BTS Chair, Professor Richard Russell, says: 

“Respiratory pharmacists are a vital and valued part of the British Thoracic Societies membership and the respiratory workforce. Their expertise is essential in delivering high-quality respiratory care. This Professional Development Framework reflects BTS’s commitment to supporting pharmacists at every stage of their career, and by investing in their development, we are strengthening the multidisciplinary teams that improve outcomes for people living with respiratory disease across the UK.” 

The framework is structured around five domains of pharmacy practice and provides guidance on the knowledge and skills required for pharmacists to work effectively within the respiratory multi-disciplinary team.  

Co-chairs Professor Anna Murphy and Ms Gráinne D’Ancona led a Task and Finish Group of respiratory pharmacists from primary and secondary care. They created this framework to support progression from post-registration (enhanced practice) through to advanced and consultant-level practice. 

Professor Anna Murphy says: 

“As a respiratory pharmacist, I see every day the difference our role makes to patients and their families. This framework is something I feel really passionate about - it recognises how our role has evolved and provides a clear pathway to support pharmacists at every stage of their career. Ultimately, it’s about strengthening our workforce so we can deliver better, more consistent care for people living with respiratory disease.” 

Miss Gráinne d’Ancona says: 

“We are very proud of the contribution that pharmacists make within respiratory medicine and hope this framework guides the development of individuals and clinical services to deliver even better care for our patients”

The framework will support pharmacists in skills progression, enable employers to understand expected levels of practice, and support role design, service development and workforce planning. 

Read the Professional Development Framework for Respiratory Pharmacists