British Pain Society contributes to feature highlighting the vital role of community pharmacists in pain care
10th Jul 2026
The British Pain Society is pleased to have contributed expert clinical insight to a feature in Independent Community Pharmacist, “To deprescribe or not to deprescribe” written by Neil Trainis, which explores how independent community pharmacists can support people living with pain.
The article features commentary from Dr Emma Davies, Principal Pharmacist – Pain, Analgesic Stewardship and Harm Reduction at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and a member of the British Pain Society.
Pain UK estimates that around 28 million people in the UK live with pain, and the article notes that community pharmacists have an important role in helping people manage their symptoms. The feature highlights the role pharmacists can play in assessing pain, supporting safe use of medicines, promoting self-management, and recognising when onward referral is needed.
Dr Davies emphasises that effective pain management extends beyond medicines alone. She explains that medicines can help, but they should sit within a broader plan aimed at maintaining function and preventing escalation. The article also discusses person-centred conversations about pain, including the impact on sleep, mood, activity and daily life, alongside practical advice on pacing, movement and wider support.
The feature explores the growing role of pharmacist independent prescribers in medicines optimisation and analgesic stewardship. It highlights the importance of regular medication reviews, avoiding unnecessary escalation of treatment, and supporting safe prescribing decisions.
A significant focus is placed on opioid stewardship and deprescribing, recognising that reducing opioid medicines should be undertaken through shared decision-making, careful planning and appropriate clinical support. The article states that pharmacists have an important role in identifying when medicines may no longer be providing benefit, initiating conversations about treatment goals, and working collaboratively with GPs, pain services and wider multidisciplinary teams.
The British Pain Society welcomes opportunities to share evidence-informed approaches to pain management across all healthcare professions. As medicines experts with regular contact with patients, community pharmacists have an increasingly important role in supporting safe, effective and holistic pain care within their local communities.
We thank Independent Community Pharmacist for helping to raise awareness of the valuable contribution pharmacists make to improving outcomes for people living with pain. And of course, a huge thank you to Dr Emma Davies.
You can read the full article: Here.