PQS: Clinical audit published

NHS England has today (26th August 2026), published the clinical audit, developed with Community Pharmacy England, that must be undertaken by pharmacies wanting to complete Domain 2 (Professional practice) of the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS).

The audit focuses on the quality of Pharmacy First clinical pathway consultations and record keeping for those consultations.

An outcome of the audit is the development of an action plan for improving practice. In addition to a pharmacist completing the audit, pharmacy owners will be expected to ensure the pharmacist completes a peer discussion focused on reviewing the findings of the audit and the action plan, with a ‘buddy’ pharmacist.

Pharmacy owners must ensure the audit, action plan and peer discussion are completed no later than 31st March 2027.

The guidance on the audit explains how to undertake the audit and peer discussion using the associated data collection and analysis form.

Some of the collated data must be submitted to NHS England though a data collection tool on the NHSBSA’s MYS portal.

Download the PQS 2026/27 clinical services audit – Pharmacy First clinical pathways consultations