Minor Illness and Physical Exam for Pharmacists

Dates: 3, 4 & 9 December 2026
Time: 09:00–16:00 each day
Format: 2 days face-to-face practical training + 1 day live webinar
Classroom Venue: London Bridge, London
CPD: Certificate of attendance and CPD learning hours

Are you a pharmacist or newly qualified independent prescriber looking to develop your clinical assessment skills, expand your scope of practice or prepare to establish a private minor illness clinic? This intensive three-day course combines hands-on physical examination training with the assessment and management of common minor illnesses encountered in community pharmacy, general practice and primary care.

Designed specifically for pharmacists and new independent prescribers, the programme provides an opportunity to develop practical examination techniques, strengthen clinical reasoning and build confidence in making safe, evidence-based clinical decisions. The first two days focus on practical examination skills, while the third day explores common minor illness presentations through interactive, case-based learning.

Whether you are transitioning into a more clinical pharmacy role, preparing to deliver independent prescribing services or considering establishing your own private clinic, this course provides a foundation for further supervised clinical development.

Who Should Attend?

This course is particularly suitable for:

• Community pharmacists expanding their clinical services
• Newly qualified pharmacist independent prescribers
• Pharmacists preparing for independent prescribing roles
• Pharmacists working in general practice or primary care networks
• Pharmacists considering establishing a private minor illness clinic
• Healthcare professionals wishing to strengthen their physical assessment and minor illness management skills

No previous formal physical examination training is required. Participants should have an appropriate healthcare qualification and practise within their professional scope.

Course Programme

Day 1 – Thursday 3 December 2026

Physical Examination: Core Skills and Clinical Assessment

Face-to-face practical workshop | London Bridge | 09:00–16:00

• Structured history taking and consultation skills
• Clinical observations and vital signs
• Cardiovascular examination
• Respiratory examination
• Ear, nose and throat assessment
• Examination techniques, interpretation of findings and recognition of red flags
• Supervised practical skills stations

Day 2 – Friday 4 December 2026

Physical Examination: Applied Clinical Skills

Face-to-face practical workshop | London Bridge | 09:00–16:00

• Abdominal examination
• Basic neurological assessment
• Eye assessment and common presenting symptoms
• Linking examination findings to clinical decision-making
• Clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis
• Practical examination stations and case-based exercises

Day 3 – Wednesday 9 December 2026

Minor Illness Assessment and Management

Live Interactive Webinar | 09:00–16:00

The final day focuses on assessing, diagnosing and managing common minor illnesses encountered in community pharmacy and primary care.

Respiratory and ENT Conditions

• Coughs, colds and upper respiratory tract infections
• Sore throat, tonsillitis and sinusitis
• Earache and common ear conditions
• Recognising serious respiratory presentations

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• Dyspepsia and reflux
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain and red flags

Skin Conditions

• Eczema and dermatitis
• Fungal skin infections
• Common bacterial skin infections
• Skin assessment and appropriate treatment options

Eye and Urinary Conditions

• Conjunctivitis and red-eye assessment
• Recognising urgent ophthalmic presentations
• Urinary tract infections
• Appropriate management and referral pathways

Prescribing, Safety-Netting and Clinical Decision-Making

• Applying current evidence-based clinical guidance
• Safe prescribing considerations
• Antimicrobial stewardship
• Recognising when not to prescribe
• Patient education and safety-netting
• Case discussions and clinical scenarios

Practical, Hands-On Learning

Two classroom days provide opportunities to practise examination techniques under the guidance of experienced clinicians.

Supporting Your Clinical Development

Develop the knowledge and skills relevant to extended clinical pharmacy roles, independent prescribing and the development of private minor illness services.

Please note: Course attendance does not independently confer prescribing authority, clinical competency sign-off or authorisation to operate a private clinic. Additional supervised practice, governance arrangements and relevant regulatory requirements may apply.

Book online at www.belmatt.co.uk