| Non-medical prescribing implementation example |
| Pharmacist Independent Prescribing in Diabetes |
Organisation
NHS Calderdale
Area of practice
Pharmacist Independent Prescribing in Diabetes |
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Example of implementation of NMP
How was the need for non-medical prescribing identified?
The medicines management team at NHS Calderdale were asked to support a new type of diabetes management clinic under the ‘Diabetes Year of Care’ project. The Year of Care describes the ongoing care that someone with a long-term condition should expect to receive in a year, including self-management. The Year of Care approach puts the patient in the driving seat and supports them to self-manage effectively. The project is a partnership between the Department of Health, Diabetes UK, the National Diabetes Support Team and the Health Foundation. NHS Calderdale is one of three pilot areas nationally. It was felt that adding a suitably qualified pharmacist practitioner (independent pharmacist prescriber) to a multi-disciplinary healthcare team would help improve medication concordance in diabetic patients.
How was the service set up?
The service project was set up at three GP practice within Calderdale, although only one practice has a pharmacist within its clinical team. The patient initially sees either the dietician or podiatrist, followed by a general review by the practice nurse. The practice nurse provides lifestyle advice and checks the patient’s blood pressure. The patient is then referred to the pharmacist where a comprehensive medication review occurs. At this point, the pharmacist practitioner may alter drug dosages or add new medication as appropriate, including medication for cardiovascular risk reduction. The GP is only involved in the review if clinical queries outside the clinical competence of the practice nurse or pharmacist practitioner occur.
How have the outcomes of non-medical prescribing been evaluated?
The project is due to finish in September 2009 and will be fully audited then. However, interim feedback from the practice’s patient forum has been especially positive. The patient forum has indicated that patients have benefited from a better understanding of their medication, the benefits that their medication provides them and improved their compliance with medication.
For further information please contact:
Jonathan Cole, NHS Calderdale, Jonathan.cole@calderdale-pct.nhs.uk
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