Searching the knowledge hub

The pharmacy rigorously checks all of its prescriptions against many relevant and up-to-date clinical reference sources to ensure that they are correct. And in particular it checks that the dose needed is appropriate and accurate. The pharmacy team directs all its queries directly to the appropriate clinician. And it only supplies the medicines once all queries are resolved. The pharmacy team gives detailed counselling to people to help ensure they take them safely and benefit fully from them.

The pharmacy supplies high-risk methotrexate injections to patients who have not taken these medicines before. The pharmacy team ensure the patient fully understands how to use their new medicine. And it checks that the person is administering their medicine safely prior to issuing a further supply.

Pharmacy team members engage in training related to identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns. They have a good understanding of the many types of safeguarding concerns which they may come across. And they act to manage these types of concerns appropriately to help protect vulnerable people. The pharmacy works with other safeguarding agencies to help promote awareness of key safeguarding issues.

The pharmacy carries out a thorough assessment of the patient’s needs when a multi-compartment compliance pack is requested. This helps to identify the most appropriate adjustment, which is not necessarily a compliance pack. The assessment is documented, and the patient is monitored, and compliance is reviewed to ensure the adjustment is appropriate and effective.

The pharmacy works proactively with GP surgeries to seek the best outcomes for people referred through the NHS GP Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS). Pharmacists apply their knowledge and expertise to assess whether a person would benefit most from an over-the-counter medicine or require a prescription medicine.

The pharmacy uses respected guidance to help vulnerable people to make their own decisions about contraception. This includes assessing people’s ability to understand and agree to any contraceptive treatment. And it allows them to express their own wishes.

The pharmacy owner regularly reminds its team members to be open and honest when reporting mistakes. The owner undertakes regular safety reviews of error reporting across its pharmacies. And it uses the information from these reviews to share learning through engaging newsletters. These help to maintain a clear safety culture. And it supports team members in identifying improvements to patient safety.

The pharmacy obtains consent to inform the person’s usual GP when medicines are prescribed through its online prescribing service. It verifies the information people provide when completing the consultation questionnaires. This ensures people receive medicines that are appropriate for them.

The pharmacy is providing safe and effective treatment to people through the NHS Scotland Pharmacy First Plus service. The pharmacist providing the service uses a structured consultation and record keeping approach. And refers to resources and colleagues from other professions to help form a multi-disciplinary approach to care. And they fully involve the patient in decisions about their care

The pharmacist independent prescriber (PIP) is actively using communication channels with PIP colleagues to share practice, to learn from each other and develop further. This broadens the scope of their practice, therefore increasing access to safe and effective treatment for a growing range of symptoms and conditions, for people in different locations.