Repeat Prescription

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Introduction Given that medicines remain the most effective therapeutic intervention in healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry has worked hard to discover and develop safe and effective medicines, it is critical that resources are used widely and effectively (Royal Pharmaceutical Society, 2013). Medication plays a pivotal role in preserving health, avoiding illnesses, and treating disease, and it is critical patients receive the best possible outcome from their medications to prevent harm or deterioration in their condition. NICE (2009) states between a third and a half of medicines that are prescribed for long-term conditions are not used as recommended. This represents a health decline for patients and an economic loss for society. …show more content…

A repeat prescription is a medication prescription that is valid for a set amount of time, typically for chronic diseases or long-term conditions. It enables patients to receive their regular drugs without having to consult the prescriber every time. The decision to transfer a drug to a repeat prescription must always be made by the prescriber after careful consideration of whether the drug has been effective, well tolerated and is required long-term. The legal responsibility for prescribing lies with the prescriber who signs the prescription; this responsibility is the same whether it is a first or repeat prescription. It is important to be aware that the person who signs the prescription will be held accountable should something go wrong. The General Medical Council guidance on Good Practice in Prescribing and Managing Medicines (2021) states that before signing a repeat prescription, the prescriber must be satisfied that it is safe and appropriate to do so and that secure procedures are in place to ensure that the right patient is issued with the correct prescription. The correct dose is prescribed, particularly for patients whose dose varies during the course of treatment. The patient’s condition is monitored, taking account of medicine usage and effects. Only staff who are competent to do so, prepare repeat prescriptions for authorisation. Patients who need further examination or assessment are reviewed by an appropriate …show more content…

This proactive approach has helped minimise the risk of adverse drug effects and improved adherence, and the project outcomes have highlighted the significance of a standardised approach to medication reviews and the positive impact it can have on patient care. Throughout the project, various barriers were identified that contributed to the challenges faced. These barriers included resistance to change, limited resources, and a lack of collaboration amongst clinicians. However, through effective collaboration and teamwork, these barriers were broken down, leading to the successful implementation of the project. Moving forward, it is recommended that the project be continued to further enhance the review process and ensure ongoing improvements in patient outcomes. By addressing the identified barriers and fostering continued collaboration, the project can continue to make significant strides in optimising medication reviews and enhancing patient care, whilst giving pharmacy technicians the opportunity to work at the top of their

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