Dr Richard Lowrie (FRPharmS, GPhC, MPC, MSc, PhD, Independent Prescriber)
Reader in Homelessness and Inclusion Health, School of Health in Social Science. Honorary Clinical Pharmacist, NHS Lothian (The Access Place). Lead Pharmacist Research and Development (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde)
- Centre for Homelessness & Inclusion Health
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
- NHS Lothian
Contact details
- Tel: +44 7971827565
- Email: Richard.lowrie@ed.ac.uk
Address
- Street
-
School of Health in Social Science | The University of Edinburgh
2M.10 | Doorway 6, Old Medical School, Teviot Place - City
- Edinburgh
- Post code
- EH8 9AG
Background
Reader in the Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health, University of Edinburgh
Lead Pharmacist - Research and Development, Pharmacy Services, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Honorary Clinician (Pharmacist Independent Prescriber) - NHS Lothian
Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer - University of Glasgow
Qualifications
RCGP - Certificate in Drug Misuse, 2017
Social Research Association - Qualitative Research, 2015
University of Aberdeen - Epidemiology, 2013
University of Glasgow, Department of General Practice & Primary Care - PhD, 2005-2012
University of Glasgow, Department of General Practice & Primary Care - PhD, 2005-2009
University of Glasgow, Department of General Practice & Primary Care - MPC, 2002-2005
Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen - Certificate in Health Economics, 1999-2000
College of Pharmacy Practice, University of Warwick - MCPP, 1997
School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast - MSc in Clinical Pharmacy, 1993-1995
School of Pharmacy, University of London - Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy (A), 1992-1993
Strathclyde University, Glasgow - Pharmacy BSc (first class), 1987-1991
Holyrood Secondary School, 1 A-level; 3 CSYS (2 As, B); 6 Highers (5As, 1B); 7 'O' grades (A). Four League and two Scottish Cup winners medals, 1981-1987
Responsibilities & affiliations
2025 - School of Nursing, Subject Area Director for Research
2025 - Co-lead, NAPCRG Homelessness Special Interest Group https://napcrg.org/member-center/specialinterestgroups/
2025 - Senior Editor, Pilot and Feasibility Studies
2023-2025 - National Clinical Advisor for the Reducing Drug Deaths National Innovation Challenge (Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office and UK Government Office for Life Sciences)
2024 - NHS Lothian HSCP. Clinical session (0.1WTE) The Edinburgh Access Place
2023 - St Mungo Medal Award Winner, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (outstanding achievement and contributions to clinical research)
2023 - NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Grand Round, 6 September 2023
2023 - Trial Steering Committee, HOME study (NIHR)
2023 - Joint chair, Society for Academic Primary Care Homelessness and Inclusion Health Committee
2023 - UK and Ireland Lead for Global Homelessness and Inclusion Health collaboration
2023 - Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
2013 - Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Glasgow Department of General Practice and Primary Care
2009 - Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Strathclyde
2000-present - Reviewer, numerous journals, grant awarding bodies, Subject Matter Expert, Homelessness and Inclusion Health (NIHR)
1998-2000 - Robert Gordon’s University, Aberdeen
1992 - Member of General Pharmaceutical Council
Undergraduate teaching
Course organiser: Homelessness and Inclusion Health (Online and Undergraduate); Contemporary Issues in Health and Wellbeing.
Postgraduate teaching
Three PhD students (main supervisor), third supervisor for three others.
Open to PhD supervision enquiries?
Yes
Research summary
Homelessness and Inclusion Health
Clinical trials of pragmatic, complex interventions to improve the health of people who are marginalised.
Current research interests
"Protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial of the Pharmacy Homeless Outreach Engagement Non-medical and Independent prescriber (PHOENIx) intervention for people facing severe and multiple disadvantages". https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-106640 "A pilot randomised controlled trial of the Tailored Intervention for people with moderate-to-severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Co-morbidities delivered by Pharmacists and Consultant respiratory Physicians (TICC-PCP)". www.nature.com/articles/s41533-025-00451-9. "A protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial of a Tailored Intervention for people with moderate-to-severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Co-morbidities delivered by Pharmacists and Consultant respiratory Physicians (TICC-PCP) in Scotland". https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-025-01681-x "Process evaluation of a pragmatic, multicentre pilot Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) in primary care: Tailored intervention for COPD and Co-morbidities by Pharmacists and Consultant Physicians (TICC PCP)". https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0326178 "Patient participant, healthcare professional, and stakeholder perspectives on the Pharmacy Homeless Outreach Engagement Non-medical Independent prescribing Rx (PHOENIx) community pharmacy pilot randomised controlled trial". https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0324654 "Pharmacy Homeless Outreach Engagement Non-medical Independent prescribing Rx (PHOENIx) community pharmacy based pilot randomised controlled trial". https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11524-025-00981-0 "Evaluating a pharmacist-led cardio-renal-metabolic service to reduce healthcare inequities in a socioeconomically deprived population: a prospective intervention study". https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-025-01938-8 "Baseline characteristics of people experiencing homelessness in the PHOENIx Community Pharmacy multicentre pilot randomised controlled trial. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-025-02627-8 "Patterns, circumstances and risk factors associated with non-fatal substance overdose in a cohort of homeless population: an observational study". https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-024-01812-z "Patient and Public Involvement in Research Evaluating Integrated Care for People Experiencing Homelessness: Findings from the PHOENIx Community Pharmacy Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial". https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.70070 "Pharmacist-led trial to assess impact of outreach on homeless people secures government funding". https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/pharmacist-led-trial-to-assess-impact-of-outreach-on-homeless-people-secures-government-funding. "Perspectives of people experiencing homelessness with recent non-fatal street drug overdose on the Pharmacist and Homeless Outreach Engagement and Non-medical Independent prescribing Rx (PHOENIx) intervention". https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302988 "Holistic health and social care outreach for people experiencing homelessness with recent non-fatal overdose in Glasgow, Scotland: the Pharmacist and third sector Homeless charity worker Outreach Engagement Non-medical Independent prescriber Rx (PHOENIx) pilot randomised controlled trial". https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjph-2023-000219 ‘There’s no hope for any kind of decent life’: A qualitative study to explore the perspectives of people who are homeless and have experienced a recent non-fatal overdose in Scotland during Covid-19". https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcad160 "Treatment burden for people experiencing homelessness with a recent non-fatal overdose: a questionnaire study". https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2022.0587 "Baseline characteristics of people experiencing homelessness with a recent drug overdose in the PHOENIx pilot randomised controlled trial". https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-023-00771-4 "Provision of drug and alcohol services amidst COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative evaluation on the experiences of service providers". https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-023-01557-1 "Protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial to evaluate integrated support from pharmacist independent prescriber and third sector worker for people experiencing homelessness: the PHOENIx community pharmacy study". https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-023-01261-x "Baseline treatment burden in people experiencing homelessness with a recent non-fatal overdose: findings from PHOENIx trial". https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.21.s1.3910 "A systematic review of the nutritional status of adults experiencing homelessness". https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2022.04.013 "Improving the health of people experiencing homelessness with recent drug overdose: rationale for and design of the Pharmacist and Homeless Outreach worker Engagement Non-medical Independent prescribing Rx (PHOENIx) pilot randomised controlled trial". https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.05.16.22275160 "Medicines prescribing for homeless persons: analysis of prescription data from specialist homelessness general practices". https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-022-01399-3 "Clinical characteristics, attendance outcomes and deaths of homeless persons in the emergency department: implications for primary health care and community prevention programmes". https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2021.05.007 https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/patients-and-visitors/realistic-medicine/info-resources-for-staff/realistic-medicine-in-action-the-glasgow-phoenix/ Healthcare Improvement Scotland – Right Decision Service "Representation of persons experiencing homelessness and coding of homelessness in general practices: descriptive evaluation using healthcare utilisation data". https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0050 "Scope, quality and inclusivity of international clinical guidelines on mental health and substance abuse in relation to dual diagnosis, social and community outcomes: a systematic review". https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03188-0 "Pharmacist led Homeless Outreach Engagement and Non-medical Independent prescribing (Rx) (PHOENIx) intervention for people experiencing homelessness: a non- randomised feasibility study". https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-020-01337-7 "Hope for the homeless: how pharmacy is supporting those living on the streets". https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/feature/hope-for-the-homeless-how-pharmacy-is-supporting-those-living-on-the-streets "Research priorities in healthcare of persons experiencing homelessness: outcomes of a national multi-disciplinary stakeholder discussion in the United Kingdom". https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-020-01206-3 "Comparing the impact of primary care practice design in two inner city UK homelessness services". https://doi.org/10.1177/2150132720910568 "Clinical Pharmacy Intervention for Persons Experiencing Homelessness: Evaluation of Patient Perspectives in Service Design and Development". https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy7040153 "A descriptive study of a novel pharmacist led health outreach service for those experiencing homelessness". https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpp.12520 "A non-randomised controlled pilot study of clinical pharmacist collaborative intervention for community dwelling patients with COPD". https://doi.org/10.1038/s41533-018-0105-7 "Risk factors for mortality, hospitalisation and imprisonment in substance misuse patients". https://doi.org/10.1211/CP.2018.20205007 https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/research/risk-factors-for-mortality-hospitalisation-and-imprisonment-in-substance-misuse-patients "A systematic review of interventions by healthcare professionals to improve management of non-communicable diseases and communicable diseases requiring long-term care in adults who are homeless". https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020161 "Interventions by healthcare professionals to improve management of physical long-term conditions in adults who are homeless: a systematic review protocol". https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016756 "How pharmacists are helping the homeless in Glasgow". https://doi.org/10.1211/CP.2017.20202677 https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/letters/how-pharmacists-are-helping-the-homeless-in-glasgow "Incentivised chronic disease management and the inverse equity hypothesis: findings from a longitudinal analysis of Scottish Primary Care practice level data". https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-017-0833-5 "Collaborative engagement for Long Term Conditions by clinical pharmacists for people who are homeless in Glasgow, Scotland". http://www.feantsa.org/en/newsletter/2017/03/31/march-2017-health-and-homelses?bcParent=27 "Multimorbidity, disadvantage and patient engagement within a specialist homeless health service in the UK: an in-depth study of general practice data". https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgpopen17X100941 "Specialist domiciliary pharmacy intervention may reduce exacerbation frequency and hospitalisation in patients with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease". https://thorax.bmj.com/content/71/Suppl_3/A161.1 "A descriptive study of long term conditions, health service utilisation and patient engagement for users of a specialist homeless GP practice in the UK". https://sapc.ac.uk/conference/2016/abstract/descriptive-study-of-long-term-conditions-health-service-utilisation-and "Community pharmacy based opiate substitution treatment and related health services: a study of 508 patients and 111 pharmacies". https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10389-016-0714-yPast research interests
"Does timing of tocilizumab administration affect mortality in COVID-19? A Scottish multicentre retrospective cohort study". https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjresp-2023-002264 "Understanding Stakeholder Views Regarding the Design of an Intervention Trial to Reduce Anticholinergic Burden: A Qualitative Study". https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.608208 "Pharmaceutical care issues in lung cancer: can community pharmacists support patients receiving systemic anticancer therapy?" https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riaa008 "The Help for Hay Fever community pharmacy-based pilot randomised controlled trial for intermittent allergic rhinitis". https://doi.org/10.1038/s41533-020-0180-4 "Assessing Risks of Polypharmacy Involving Medications With Anticholinergic Properties". https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2501 "Patient-reported barriers to medication adherence in heart failure in Scotland". https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpp.12511 "Research is ‘a step into the unknown’: an exploration of pharmacists’ perceptions of factors impacting on research participation in the NHS". https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009180 "Physical health indicators in major mental illness: data from the Quality and Outcome Framework in the UK". https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26312883/ https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)60376-2/fulltext "Identification and management of sub-optimally treated heart failure patients in primary care". ESC Congress 2015. "Improving medication adherence in patients with chronic heart failure: a feasibility study". https://doi.org/10.1002/ejhf "Physical health indicators in major mental illness: analysis of QOF data across UK general practice". https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp14X681829 "The primary care burden of patients with heart failure: a literature review". https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/the-primary-care-burden-of-patients-with-heart-failure-a-literatu "A cluster randomised controlled trial of a pharmacist led collaborative intervention to improve statin prescribing and attainment of cholesterol targets in primary care". https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0113370 "‘Help for Hay Fever’, a goal-focussed intervention for people with intermittent allergic rhinitis, delivered in Scottish community pharmacies: study protocol for a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial". https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-14-217. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23856015/ "Pharmacist intervention in primary care to improve outcomes in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction". https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehr433 "The Heart failure and Optimal Outcomes from Pharmacy Study (HOOPS): rationale, design, and baseline characteristics". https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjhf/hfr083 "A cluster randomised controlled trial of pharmacist led Statin Outreach Support (SOS) in primary care: design and baseline characteristics". https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2010.03.010 "Evaluation of pharmaceutical care provided by a pharmacist supplementary prescriber". https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-008-9262-z "A community pharmacist service to support patients with heart failure: a study of pharmacists’ and patients’ perceptions". https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-008-9262-z "Pharmacy support to the falling elderly: from evidence base to model of care". Pharmacy Management. 2007. "Pharmacist-led medication review clinics in general practice: the views of Greater Glasgow GPs". https://doi.org/10.1211/0022357022647 "Medication review: Recruitment and accreditation of a cohort of community pharmacists". International Journal of Pharmacy Practice. 2003. The Arun Baksi award for team based innovation in diabetes care: integrating and mainstreaming diabetes medicines management for ethnic minorities. Practical Diabetes International. 2003. "Establishment of a disease register for patients with LVSD in primary care and comparison of current practice with evidence-based guidelines". Pharmaceutical Journal. 2002.Knowledge exchange
Published trials and other outputs have led to the setup and continuation of services delivered by clinical pharmacists across the NHS in Scotland and parts of England. More details on request.
Current project grants
Contract for Provision of Support of HCV Treatment for Edinburgh’s Inclusion Health Groups. £44,385, 02/02/2026-01/02/2027 (PI).
Strengths-based, low caseload approach to integrated health, housing and practical support for people experiencing homelessness with multiple complex needs in temporary shelters (hostels): a cluster randomised controlled trial [REACH trial] NIHR 174677. £2M. (Co-I).
Accelerating NHS and Third Sector inclusion health evaluation capacity using experimental and quasi experimental methods. Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), Swindon, UK. £196,000, 01/08/2025-31/01/2027 (PI).
Reducing disparities in health, economic and social outcomes for people facing severe and multiple disadvantages in Scotland’s areas of highest drug misuse deaths: a definitive multicentre randomised controlled trial with parallel process and economic evaluation. UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), Swindon, UK. £2,500,000, July 2024-present (PI).
Past project grants
CSO Drug Deaths Innovation Challenge Fund. National Clinical Adviser. July 2024–Dec 2025. Chief Scientist Office (CSO), Edinburgh, UK. (Salary Award).
Edinburgh Homeless Fitness and Information Technology (FIT) prescription. NHS Lothian Gateway Awards. July 2024. NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK. (Salary Award). (PI).
Understanding the scale, causes, characteristics and potential solutions to homelessness in rural Perth and Kinross. December 2023. Churches Action for the Homeless (CATH), Perth, UK. £25,000 (Grant) (PI).
Community Pharmacy PHOENIx. July 2023. National Institute of Healthcare Research (NIHR), London, UK. Funded extension £98,000 (Grant) (co-PI).
Community Pharmacy PHOENIx. January 2023. Chief Scientist Office (CSO) / NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Primary Care. (Excess Treatment Costs: £15,718 (Salary Award). (PI).
National Research Scotland - Career Researcher Fellowship. 2019 - October 2023. Chief Scientist Office (CSO). (Salary Award - 20% of annual salary).
Community Pharmacy based PHOENIx. March 2021–December 2023. National Institute of Healthcare Research (NIHR), London, UK. £800,000 (Grant). (Co-PI).
PHOENIx after overdose pilot randomised controlled trial. July 2020 – Sep 2022. Scottish Government Health & Social Care Directorate / Drug Death Task Force. £100,000 (Grant). (PI).
Tailored Intervention by Pharmacists and Consultant Physicians for people with COPD and multi-morbidities (TICC PCP): pilot RCT. Chiesi, Manchester, UK. £57,000. May 2020 (PI).
Increasing access to BBV screening and treatment in Glasgow’s homeless community: PHOENIx – Pharmacy Homeless Outreach Engagement Non-medical Independent prescribing Rx. 2019-2020. Gilead Sciences Ltd, London, UK - Gilead Celtic Nations HCV Fellowship Programme 2019. £19,622 (Grant). (PI).
Tailored Intervention by Pharmacists and Consultant Physicians for people with COPD and multi-morbidities (TICC-PCP): pilot randomised controlled trial. August 2019 – May 2023. Chief Scientist Office (CSO), Edinburgh, UK. £297,000 (Grant). (PI).
The Marie ‘Outreach’ Trust (MOT) Homelessness Support Project. 2019-2022. The National Lottery Community Fund. £499,332 (Grant). (Co-PI).
Pharmacy Homeless Outreach Engagement Non-medical Independent prescribing Rx (PHOENIx) - Assertive outreach pharmacist project. April 2019-April 2021. Scottish Government Challenge Fund / Corra Foundation, Edinburgh, UK. £98,844 (Grant). (PI).
Understanding stakeholder views regarding the design of an intervention trial to reduce anticholinergic burden. 2019-2020. Chief Scientist Office (CSO), Edinburgh, UK. £34,435 (Grant). (Co-I).
A study of the impact of a Community Falls Prevention Programme, a Fracture Liaison Service, and outcomes including hospitalisation and encashed prescribing. 2017-2019. AMGEN, California, USA. £120,000 (Grant) (PI).
Pharmacist outreach intervention for people who are homeless in Glasgow and Edinburgh. 2016-2017. Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), Scotland, UK. Healthcare Improvement Fund. £53,000 (Grant). (PI).
Structured Physical activity (football) for people experiencing homeless in Glasgow. 2017-2018. National Lottery Community Fund, UK - Awards for all. £10,000 (Grant). (PI).
A pilot study of pharmacy –technician led intervention to improve medicine adherence and self-care for patients with heart failure. 2014-2016. Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS), Edinburgh, UK. £5,000 (Grant) (PI).
Statin Outreach Support (SOS) randomised controlled trial. 2013. European Society of Cardiology (ESC), Amsterdam, Europe - Nursing and Allied Health professionals award (1st prize). Euros 3,500 (Award) (PI).
Tailored intervention by cardiology pharmacists for patients with heart failure. 2014. Servier. £17,582 (Grant) (PI).
Pharmacist independent prescriber intervention for COPD and multimorbidities: feasibility study. 2013-2015. Almirall, Manchester, UK. £44,000 (Grant). (PI).
National Research Scotland (NRS) - Career Research Fellow. 2012-2014. Chief Scientist Office (CSO), Edinburgh, UK. 0.1WTE salary.
Can a goal-focussed intervention delivered in Scottish community pharmacies improve outcomes for people with seasonal allergic rhinitis? A pilot randomised controlled trial. 2010-2012. Chief Scientist Office (CSO), Edinburgh, UK. £165,738 (Grant) (Co-I).
Pharmacist intervention in primary care to improve outcomes in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. 2010-2011. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GG&C), Scotland, UK. £100,000 (Grant). (PI).
Pharmacy Long Term Medicines Service for people in North and East. 2011. Scottish Government, Edinburgh, UK. £80,000 (Contract) (PI)
A randomised controlled trial of pharmacist led Statin Outreach Support in Primary Care. 2010-2014. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GG&C), Scotland, UK. £80,000 (Grant). (PI)
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde - Keep Well ‘Hard to Reach’ Anticipatory Care Programme. 2010. Scottish Government, Edinburgh, UK. £60,000 (Grant). (PI)
South Asian Anticipatory Care project and service. 2009. Scottish Government, Edinburgh, UK. £50,000 (Grant). (PI)