Training of pharmacists as supplementary prescribers
May 30, 2010 by admin
This study used focus groups, interviews and analysis of recorded critical incidents to look at how GPs and pharmacist supplementary prescribers see the different aspects of the supplementary prescriber training, and continuing experience, in the context of the challenge to professional territory presented by the role changes involved in the non-medical prescribing policy.
Although some of the GP partners in the practices concerned were vocal about their concerns surrounding non-medical prescribing, and often anxious about the issue of diagnosis and exactly what it involves, the designated medical practitioners (DMPs) in each case were supportive. The pharmacists, all of whom had previously established effective working relationships with the practices as they worked as prescribing advisors, were very enthusiastic about their period of learning in practice, and the skills of the DMPs. The academic component of the training was less valued, although they did acknowledge that the reflective learning skills they gained were useful later in their work-based learning. Interestingly, reciprocal learning was acknowledged by both the DMPs and the pharmacists, and it seems that the DMPs were seeing their pharmacist colleagues in a new light as a result and were developing new ways of working together. Learning on the job was a key component of continuing professional development.
Tann J et al. The great boundary crossing: perceptions on training pharmacists as supplementary prescribers in the UK. Health Education Journal 2010; 69: 183-191.
Mixing medicines - legal aspects
May 30, 2010 by admin
This article provides an account of the legal situation around independent nurse prescribing, unlicensed medicines, and mixing medicines (see here and here). Although it is the responsibility of the relevant health professional to decide if the person has needs that can only be met by an unlicensed medicine, the author believes it is likely that trusts and boards will seek to limit their use on cost grounds. At present, the situation about controlled drugs has not changed, so mixing products that would create an unlicensed controlled drug is not covered.
Have the legislative changes and recent guidance made any difference to your practice? Why not log into the members’ forum and share your experiences?
Griffith R and Tengnah C. Prescribing and administering unlicensed medicines. Br J Community Nursing 2010; 15(5): 232-235.
New website for NMC
May 30, 2010 by admin
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has launched a new website, with a prescribing section under ‘Nurses and Midwives’. It is asking for feedback on what users think of the site now.
May CKS topics published
May 30, 2010 by admin
Some new topics have been added to the Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS) site in May: Baker’s cyst; coeliac disease; Dupuytren’s disease; mastitis; meibomian cyst; psoriasis; scarlet fever; styes (hordeola); and vitiligo.
NICE guidance: male lower UTI symptoms and childhood constipation
May 30, 2010 by admin
NICE has published guidance about the management of lower urinary tract symptoms in men, pointing out that, ‘uncertainty and variation’ exist in clinical practice at the moment. The symptoms are storage, voiding and post-micturition symptoms affecting the lower urinary tract. They can reduce quality of life and sometimes indicate serious pathology.
There is also new NICE guidance on constipation in children and young people.
Independent Prescribing: Practical Prescribing
May 24, 2010 by admin
I work in the community and qualified as an independent supplementary prescriber four months ago. I have only just received my prescription pad and do not feel confident. I am also unsure whether there are continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for prescribers.
To read the answer to this question, click here.
New publication
May 16, 2010 by admin
A second edition of “Independent and Supplementary Prescribing: An essential guide” edited by Molly Courtenay and Matt Griffiths has been published by Cambridge University Press, and includes a new chapter on minimising the risk of prescribing error.
High risk medicines: national campaign and one-day conference
May 16, 2010 by admin
How can harm with high risk medicines be prevented? This area is part of the Patient Safety First campaign and a one-day conference on 7 July (see here) will provide an update on ‘Improving Patient Safety and Reducing Harm from High Risk Medicines’. A range of speakers will discuss topics such as managing high-risk medicines at and after hospital discharge, and involving patients, together with an update on the campaign, and case studies on anticoagulants, insulin, opiates and injectable medicines.
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