introduction to medicines management

• what is medicines management

  • “The clinical, cost effective and safe use of medicines to ensure patients get the maximum benefit from the medicines they need, while at the same time minimising potential harm.” MHRA (2004).
  • Medicines optimisation more commonly used now
• why do we need it?

  • Growing number of people living with a long-term condition (LTC).
  • 25% of people over 60 report having 2 or more LTCs.
  • Estimated that > 2.9 million people in UK have multimorbidity (NICE 2015).
  • That’s a lot of medicines -  Increase in polypharmacy (esp. elderly).
  • Increased exposure to number of prescribers.
  • Therefore, medicines use needs to be optimised (managed) to improve safety, improve concordance, reduce waste & costs.
  • Unfortunately, often seen as ‘someone else’s job’ e.g. pharmacist
• What is the term used to describe prescribing undertaken by healthcare professionals other than doctors or dentists?

  Non-medical prescribing
• Which healthcare professionals are included in non-medical prescribing?

  Nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, advanced paramedics, podiatrists, optometrists, dieticians, radiographers
• What have numerous studies demonstrated about non-medical prescribing?

  It is safe and equivalent to traditional care systems
• How do patients perceive non-medical prescribing compared to traditional care?

  Patients report greater flexibility, easier access to care, and better management of chronic conditions
• What are some benefits of non-medical prescribing for healthcare professionals?

  Greater professional autonomy and broader career opportunities
• What are the key components of non-medical prescribing?

  • Definition: Prescribing by qualified healthcare professionals other than doctors or dentists
  • Included professionals: Nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, advanced paramedics, podiatrists, optometrists, dieticians, radiographers
  • Benefits:
  • Safety and equivalence to traditional care
  • Patient flexibility and access
  • Professional autonomy and career opportunities
• What is the basis for the classification of medicines?

  The class of a medicine is based on its licensed indication and pack size.
• Can a medicine belong to more than one category?

  Yes, a medicine may be in more than one category.
• What does POM stand for in medicine classification?

  Prescription Only Medicine
• What is required to obtain a Prescription Only Medicine (POM)?

  A prescription from a doctor, dentist, or nonmedical prescriber is usually required.
• Where can Pharmacy medicines (P) be sold?

  Pharmacy medicines can only be sold through a registered pharmacy.
• What must be present for a Pharmacy medicine (P) to be sold?

  A pharmacist has to be present before a P medicine can be sold.
• What does GSL stand for in medicine classification?

  General Sales List medicine
• What is the basis for the classification of medicines?

  The class of a medicine is based on its licensed indication and pack size.
• Where can General Sales List medicines (GSL) be sold?

  GSL medicines can be sold in retail outlets as well as through pharmacies.
• What does OTC stand for in medicine classification?

  Over The Counter medicine
• Can a medicine belong to more than one category?

  Yes, a medicine may be in more than one category.
• Is Over The Counter (OTC) a legal classification of medicine?

  No, OTC is not a legal classification but a generic term.
• What does POM stand for in medicine classification?

  Prescription Only Medicine
• What are the main categories of medicine classification?

  • Prescription Only Medicine (POM)
  • Pharmacy medicine (P)
  • General Sales List medicine (GSL)
  • Over The Counter medicine (OTC)
• What is required to obtain a Prescription Only Medicine (POM)?

  A prescription from a doctor, dentist, or nonmedical prescriber is usually required.
• Where can Pharmacy medicines (P) be sold?

  Pharmacy medicines can only be sold through a registered pharmacy.
• What is the role of a pharmacist in the sale of Pharmacy medicines (P)?

  A pharmacist has to be present before a P medicine can be sold.
• What does GSL stand for in medicine classification?

  General Sales List medicine
• Where can General Sales List medicines (GSL) be sold?

  GSL medicines can be sold in retail outlets as well as through pharmacies.
• What does OTC stand for in medicine classification?

  Over The Counter medicine
• Is Over The Counter (OTC) a legal classification of medicine?

  No, OTC is not a legal classification but a generic term.
• What are the main categories of medicine classification?

  • Prescription Only Medicine (POM)
  • Pharmacy medicine (P)
  • General Sales List medicine (GSL)
  • Over The Counter medicine (OTC)