Improving through inspecting: pharmaceutical inspectors in nursing homes

English health authorities are required to inspect pharmaceutical practice in registered nursing homes within their area. The inspection process provides opportunities to improve as well as monitor practice. An exploratory study is reported in which the verbal and non‐verbal behaviour of pharmaceutical inspectors was recorded. Brief questionnaires explored the views of the staff inspected on the inspection process. Marked differences between inspectors were found, and these were associated with different views on the process on the part of the nurses under inspection. The observation process was acceptable to the inspectors, and feedback was able to convey information which could guide them towards a style of inspection likely to improve practice in the homes in relation to medicines. The inspection process in this setting (and more widely in health care) should seek to provide constructive feedback so that improvement becomes a routine feature of inspection.