Pharmacy type
Community
Pharmacy context
COVID-19
Relevant standards
- 4.1 - The pharmacy services provided are accessible to patients and the public
Why this is notable practice
The pharmacy uses clear depictions of its procedures to help team members manage COVID-19 vaccines safely and efficiently. It displays pictorial guidance for each stage of the process to support its written procedures and ensure that each team member has a clear understanding of what they need to do.
How the pharmacy did this
The pharmacy had a set of written procedures for the vaccination service. Team members had been appropriately trained and had read the procedures relevant to their job role. But the pharmacy had found that some team members responded more readily to pictorial information. And so, it had taken photographs of what each stage should look like. This included vaccine storage, handling, preparation and disposal. And also included equipment checks, such as, fridge temperature and stock checks which depicted how to check stock effectively. The pharmacy had placed these photographs on display in the vaccination area for team members to refer to. This had provided the team with an on-the-spot, step-by-step visual guide to help ensure that each team member followed the correct procedures at all times.
The pharmacy also ensured that it kept detailed records of the COVID-19 vaccines including delivery, preparation and disposal.
What difference this made to patients
The pharmacy team has a robust, easy to follow, set of procedures for the vaccination service. This aims to provide people with a service which is consistently safe, effective and efficient.
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: