So far in this series of modules, we’ve focused on the service you provide to customers and patients, but the same communication skills are also required in other aspects of your job.

During the average day in a pharmacy, you will engage in conversations with a wide variety of people in many different situations and it is important that you deal with them efficiently and effectively, which may require you to adapt your communication style. For instance, you may talk to a customer very differently to how you would talk to a member of the sales department at a wholesalers.

Think about who you communicate with on a regular basis, in addition to customers and patients. It probably includes:

• Your pharmacist
• The pharmacy team
• Receptionists at local GP surgeries
• Wholesalers and sales reps.