Pharmacy type
Community
Pharmacy context
The pharmacy is on a parade of local businesses. And itis located in a residential area near a town centre.
Relevant standards
- 4.2 - Pharmacy services are managed and delivered safely and effectively
Why this is notable practice
The pharmacy is finding ways of making the dispensing and checking of multi-compartment compliance packs safer and more efficient.
How the pharmacy did this
The pharmacy had recognised the risks associated with dispensing and checking multi-compartment compliance packs. In particular, it had recognised that checking the number and appearance of mainly white or light-coloured tablets and capsules could be difficult when the transparent pack was placed on a light-coloured surface. And so, the pharmacy team had introduced a black surface on which the compliance packs could be placed. The team found that it was easier to dispense and check individual tablets and capsules against a contrasting background as they stood out more. And team members found that they could identify any mistakes more easily.
What difference this made to patients
Mistakes in the preparation and checking of multi-compartment compliance packs are less likely to occur. And people’s medicines are dispensed safely and efficiently.
Highlighted standards
We have identified the standards most likely and least likely to be met in inspections, and highlighted examples of notable practice for each of these standards; to help everyone learn from others and to support continuous improvement: