PINCER

PINCER is a pharmacist-led IT based intervention to reduce medication errors in primary care. The intervention involves searching GP clinical systems using computerised prescribing safety indicators to identify patients at risk from their prescriptions, and then acting to correct the problems with pharmacist support. PINCER was developed and tested by researchers at the Universities of Nottingham, Manchester and Edinburgh and the findings, published in the Lancet, demonstrated that PINCER is an effective method for reducing medication error in primary care. During 2018-2022, PRIMIS worked with all 15 Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) in England to roll out PINCER to over 2,800 (41%) GP practices as part of the national rollout. For further information please follow the link opposite.

What next for PINCER?  

Localities that have opted to continue with the implementation of PINCER have been directed to a new online PINCER Resource Area.

Primary care organisations (for example a PCN, CCG or ICS) wishing to engage with PINCER services (including the new SNOMED CT PINCER searches) can register their interest by completing the online form opposite.

The PINCER indicators continue to have impact via their inclusion in clinical decision support tools and national policy drivers. If you are interested in licensing the National PINCER Data Specification please contact PRIMIS.