Our medicines optimisation programme aims to help patients get the maximum benefit from their medicines, ensure medicines use is as safe as possible and reduce waste. Most of this work is commissioned by the National Patient Safety Improvement Programme (NatPatSIP). Find out more about the five NatPatSIP programmes, including medicines, here.
We’re working to improve support for patients to get the maximum benefit from their medicines with an overarching aim of reducing medication related harm in health and social care, focusing on high risk drugs, situations and vulnerable patients.
We are advised and supported by our Medicines Safety Steering Group, which is made up of representatives from acute trusts, Clinical Commissioning Groups, community providers and university academics.
Outside of our national patient safety commission, we also focus on key areas highlighted by our members.
Transfer of Care Around Medicines – response to COVID-19
Our Transfer of Care Around Medicines (TCAM) project was re-oriented in summer 2020, in response to COVID-19, to focus on discharge to care homes and new residents moving into care homes. Find out more about TCAM during COVID-19 here.
Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) – response to COVID-19
As part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS Business Services Authority advised primary care in England increase the use of Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD). This allows patients taking ‘stable’ medicines to receive a repeat prescription for up to a year.
We held several eRD webinars during summer 2020, and have compiled a series of videos and resources to support your use of eRD. Review our resources and find out more about eRD in relation to COVID-19 here.
Click on the images below to find out more about each area of work. Please note, some of these projects are no longer active but the resources and toolkits may be of use.
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