NHS priorities

Whether it’s to prepare for the next Pharmacy Quality Scheme deadline, or to increase your confidence in helping people with a learning disability, this section provides topic-specific pages that link to current NHS priorities. This section will support you in keeping your knowledge and skills up to date in order to provide high-quality pharmacy services and be service-ready.

Public health

The public health agenda is embedded in pharmacy, yet topics such as emergency contraception or stop smoking support are as prevalent as ever. As well as our public health workshops, use this section to access a wide range of resources to assure and maintain your competence, all underpinned by the Declaration of Competence system.

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Optimise

Atrial fibrillation (AF): Focus on direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs)


  • Released: 10/2025
  • Reviewed: N/A
  • Study time: 1h:0m

This small-group learning course is designed for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and trainee pharmacists. It aims to build knowledge, skills, and confidence in supporting people with atrial fibrillation to reduce their stroke risk. The learning focuses on optimising the use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and emphasises the importance of a shared decision-making approach in patient care.

Learning outcomes

On completion of all aspects of this learning programme you should be able to:

  • demonstrate a person-centred approach to support people living with AF to make informed decisions about their oral anticoagulation therapy
  • evaluate the risks and benefits of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to optimise anticoagulation therapy for people living with AF.

How to use this programme

If you work in a clinical setting you can work through our CPPE Optimise programmes with your colleagues. This learning format provides you with clinically focused learning from experts across the country to help you optimise your patients’ treatment in different topic areas.

Learning intended for

  • Pharmacists
  • Pharmacy technicians
  • Trainee pharmacists