p.2
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
Can advanced electronic signatures be used for electronic prescriptions?
Yes, they can be used and are linked uniquely to the signatory.
p.25
Monitoring and Reviewing Prescriptions
What uncertainty exists regarding the 75 micrograms patch?
It may have been prescribed in error and not administered.
p.1
Prescription Documentation Standards
Why is a hospital inpatient drug chart not subject to the same legal requirements as an NHS prescription issued by a GP?
Because the inpatient chart is a Patient Specific Direction (PSD), which is an instruction for the administration of a drug to a patient.
p.5
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
Which professionals cannot prescribe unlicensed medicines?
Physios, chiropodists, therapeutic radiographers, and optometrists.
p.19
Good Prescribing Practices
What is Neomag® licensed for?
Management of hypomagnesaemia.
p.15
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What are the basic prescription requirements for all drugs?
Name and address of patient, age or DOB if under 12, prescriber signature, dated, written indelibly, and contain a prescriber identifier.
p.13
Prescription Documentation Standards
What additional identifying details may prescribers add?
Their professional number or prescribing status (e.g., independent nurse prescriber).
p.4
Off-label and Unlicensed Prescribing
Who is permitted to prescribe unlicensed medicines?
Registered doctors or dentists, and non-medical prescribers under certain restrictions.
p.25
Formulary and Prescribing Guidelines
What is required to prescribe non-formulary drugs?
Permission from the Pharmacotherapy Committee or Drugs and Therapeutics Committee.
p.23
Good Prescribing Practices
Why is it important to write 'both eyes' in full instead of using 'BE'?
Because 'BE' can also mean both ears, leading to potential confusion.
p.3
Abbreviations in Prescribing
What should be avoided when indicating doses in prescriptions?
Abbreviations for doses, as they can lead to misinterpretation.
p.20
Prescription Documentation Standards
What is the recommendation for writing drug names on prescriptions?
Write all drug names in full and in capital letters.
p.2
Good Prescribing Practices
Why should oral tacrolimus be prescribed by brand name only?
To minimize the risk of inadvertent switching between products, which can lead to toxicity and graft rejection.
p.3
Prescription Documentation Standards
What must be included in a prescription regarding the prescriber's information?
The prescriber's address and professional registration number (e.g., GMC number).
p.24
Good Prescribing Practices
What is the initial dosing schedule for a patient commencing treatment?
200 mg twice a day for seven days, then 200 mg once daily thereafter.
p.9
Prescription Documentation Standards
What type of prescription forms are primarily used in the NHS?
NHS approved prescription forms.
p.4
Off-label and Unlicensed Prescribing
What must be satisfied prior to issuing a prescription for an unlicensed medicine?
There are no suitable alternatives to meet the patient’s needs.
p.5
Monitoring and Reviewing Prescriptions
What should be obtained prior to generating a prescription for Naspetin cream?
Cultures from the nasal swab.
p.12
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
Is it a legal requirement for the date of birth to be stated on an inpatient drug chart?
No, it is not a legal requirement, but it is good practice.
p.4
Off-label and Unlicensed Prescribing
What is the first line of treatment regarding licensed medicines?
Licensed medicines are always first line compared to unlicensed alternatives.
p.25
Formulary and Prescribing Guidelines
What happens if a hospital formulary needs to be amended?
An application and submission of new evidence must be made.
p.8
Patient Specific Directions (PSD)
Which healthcare professionals can be supplementary prescribers (SP)?
Dieticians, nurses, midwives, and radiographers.
p.23
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What should be considered for TTOs/TTAs regarding variable dosing?
Extending the supply of medication to cover the relevant period.
p.13
Good Prescribing Practices
What can omissions of required details on prescriptions lead to?
Delays in supply or administration errors, which can be fatal.
p.21
Good Prescribing Practices
What should be avoided when writing dosages?
Avoid trailing zero and decimal point.
p.22
Monitoring and Reviewing Prescriptions
What is the importance of reviewing 'as required' drugs?
To remove them when no longer required and consider converting them into a regular prescription.
p.22
Good Prescribing Practices
How can electronic prescribing systems help?
They can reduce documentation and administration errors associated with the route of administration.
p.16
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What minor changes can pharmacists make to a Schedule 2 or 3 controlled drug prescription?
Minor spelling mistakes or minor typographical mistakes.
p.6
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What legal aspects should be described in prescribing?
The prescribing of drugs subject to control under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
p.17
Monitoring and Reviewing Prescriptions
What should be discussed with the patient regarding their treatment?
How their treatment will be monitored and reviewed.
p.2
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
Is the patient's NHS number a legal requirement on a prescription?
No, it is not a legal requirement, but it is typically present on computer-generated prescriptions.
p.1
Good Prescribing Practices
What documentation prevents consecutive doses of diazepam from being administered close together?
The minimum dose interval.
p.26
Formulary and Prescribing Guidelines
What should be sought if prescribing against formulary recommendations?
Permission from the approved committee, documented in medical notes.
p.5
Good Prescribing Practices
What is a key consideration when prescribing Naspetin nasal cream?
Documentation of drug and non-drug allergies.
p.4
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What details must be included in a legal prescription for controlled drugs?
Drug name, strength, form, dose, and total quantity supplied in words and figures.
p.12
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What is a legal requirement for NHS prescriptions issued by a GP for a 10-year-old?
The age or date of birth must be present.
p.3
Abbreviations in Prescribing
Can drug names be abbreviated in prescriptions?
No, abbreviations for drug names should not be used due to the risk of misinterpretation.
p.8
Good Prescribing Practices
What type of guidance does the Royal Pharmaceutical Society provide?
Guidance on the administration of medicines in healthcare settings.
p.18
Good Prescribing Practices
What should be done before prescribing an unlicensed medicine?
Inform the patient and obtain consent where possible.
p.9
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What is the purpose of the FP10MDA prescription form?
To prescribe drugs of misuse for managing opioid dependence (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine).
p.12
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What should all prescriptions contain regarding patient details?
Full patient details, including full name, address, and hospital number in a hospital setting.
p.23
Prescription Documentation Standards
What should be included in the inpatient chart for variable dosing regimens?
Clear instructions to prevent administration errors.
p.20
Abbreviations in Prescribing
What does 'SC' stand for in prescription abbreviations?
Subcutaneous administration.
p.9
Patient Specific Directions (PSD)
What regulations do PSDs exempt from?
Many restrictions stated in the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
p.22
Prescription Documentation Standards
What should be done if multiple routes of administration are prescribed?
They should be documented separately and cross-referenced to prevent accidental overdose.
p.6
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
Is it a legal requirement to include the indication for treatment on a prescription?
No, it is not a legal requirement.
p.7
Abbreviations in Prescribing
Is 'T-TT' an acceptable abbreviation for indicating dose?
False: The dose should always be stated in full, e.g., one or two.
p.7
Prescription Documentation Standards
What is the maximum length of time for the supply of controlled drugs upon discharge?
Hospitals often state a maximum length of time for controlled drugs, typically 7 or 14 days.
p.2
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What is the legal requirement regarding the date of birth on a prescription for patients under 12?
The date of birth must be stated if the patient is under the age of 12.
p.18
Off-label and Unlicensed Prescribing
What is an unlicensed drug?
A drug that does not have a UK marketing authorization.
p.1
Good Prescribing Practices
What is the significance of the maximum dose to be administered in 24 hours?
It helps prevent overdosing by limiting the total amount of medication given.
p.20
Abbreviations in Prescribing
Which abbreviations are acceptable for strength in prescriptions?
Only 'g' for grams and 'mg' for milligrams.
p.26
Good Prescribing Practices
What should a prescriber do if unsure about a prescription?
Seek advice from more senior medical colleagues or a hospital pharmacist.
p.4
Off-label and Unlicensed Prescribing
What is required regarding patient consent for unlicensed medicines?
Written consent is not necessary, but the patient should be informed and consent gained where possible.
p.20
Good Prescribing Practices
What is the guideline regarding decimal points in handwritten prescriptions?
Refrain from using decimal points where possible.
p.23
Patient Specific Directions (PSD)
What is the recommended dosage for chloramphenicol eye drops in this case?
ONE drop into both eyes QDS for 5 days.
p.24
Prescription Documentation Standards
Why is it important to document changes in medication?
To prevent confusion among healthcare providers and to maintain accurate medical history.
p.8
Patient Specific Directions (PSD)
What are the two types of non-medical prescribers (NMPs)?
Supplementary prescribers (SP) and independent prescribers (IP).
p.22
Good Prescribing Practices
What should be indicated when prescribing 'as required' (PRN) medication?
The maximum dose and frequency to avoid excessive dosing.
p.12
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What identifies the prescriber as responsible on a prescription?
The signature of the prescriber.
p.12
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What is the purpose of the prescriber identifier?
To identify the prescriber responsible for the prescription.
p.10
Good Prescribing Practices
What risks do Medicines Policies help manage?
Risks that medicines can pose to patients, service users, residents, and staff.
p.10
Inpatient and Outpatient Prescribing
What is the Inpatient Prescribing and Administration Chart?
A PSD used to document drug treatment for a patient during their inpatient stay.
p.6
Prescription Documentation Standards
What does the phrase 'Maximum 30 day supply' indicate?
The quantity supplied must not exceed a 30-day supply.
p.14
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What change occurred in April 2018 regarding pregabalin and gabapentin?
They were reclassified as Class C controlled drugs.
p.14
Good Prescribing Practices
What should be done with any unused space on a prescription for controlled drugs?
It should be blocked out to prevent additional prescriptions from being added fraudulently.
p.6
Good Prescribing Practices
What should underpin prescribing regardless of professional background?
Common prescribing competencies.
p.20
Good Prescribing Practices
What should be avoided when writing prescriptions?
Illegible handwriting and inappropriate abbreviations.
p.2
Good Prescribing Practices
What is considered good practice regarding the date of birth on a prescription?
It is considered good practice to always state the date of birth on a prescription.
p.20
Good Prescribing Practices
What should be done when referring to the number of dosage units?
Write it out in words (e.g., use 'two' instead of '2').
p.24
Good Prescribing Practices
Why should the reducing dose schedule be annotated?
To avoid continued administration at a high dose.
p.26
Prescription Documentation Standards
What responsibility does a prescriber bear when issuing a prescription?
The responsibility for that treatment.
p.3
Abbreviations in Prescribing
When can a frequency be abbreviated in a prescription?
If it is an approved Latin abbreviation.
p.11
Inpatient and Outpatient Prescribing
How is medication dispensed for outpatients?
Using a hospital approved outpatient prescription at the hospital pharmacy department.
p.13
Prescription Documentation Standards
What is the requirement for the date on a prescription?
It must be valid and may be computer-generated.
p.19
Off-label and Unlicensed Prescribing
What is the licensed use of salbutamol nebulas?
Management of chronic bronchospasm and acute severe asthma.
p.9
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What color code is used for private sector prescriptions for Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs?
Pink (e.g., FP10PCDNC/SS).
p.25
Good Prescribing Practices
What should be done to prevent administration errors when changing doses?
The new dose should be prescribed and the chart annotated.
p.26
Patient Specific Directions (PSD)
What factors should be considered before prescribing?
Patient’s medication history and other factors that might alter treatment benefits and risks.
p.11
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What does the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 state about advanced electronic signatures?
They must be uniquely linked to the prescriber and capable of identifying the prescriber.
p.10
Prescription Documentation Standards
How can inpatient drug charts be formatted?
They can be paper-based or electronic.
p.16
Controlled Drugs Regulations
Can a pharmacist supply a Schedule 2 or 3 controlled drug with missing legally required information?
No, a CD prescription cannot be supplied until all required information is present.
p.16
Controlled Drugs Regulations
Are optometrists permitted to prescribe controlled drugs?
No, optometrists are not permitted to prescribe any controlled drugs.
p.1
Patient Specific Directions (PSD)
What are Patient Specific Directions (PSD)?
Directions to supply or administer a medicine to a named patient.
p.4
Abbreviations in Prescribing
What must a prescriber provide when using the abbreviation TOP for topical?
Additional information about where the topical medicine is to be applied.
p.4
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What additional requirements do prescriptions for controlled drugs have?
They have additional requirements above standard prescriptions.
p.3
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What additional requirements apply to the prescribing of Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs?
Additional prescription requirements must be followed.
p.18
Good Prescribing Practices
What must be ensured before prescribing an off-label drug?
It must be indicated in the BNF and approved for use.
p.20
Good Prescribing Practices
How should doses be stated to avoid confusion?
Clearly, without using leading or trailing zeros.
p.24
Prescription Documentation Standards
How should a prescription be cancelled on an inpatient drug chart?
Cross through it entirely, annotate with your signature and date, and document any changes in the medical notes.
p.10
Patient Specific Directions (PSD)
What is a PSD in emergency situations?
A verbal direction issued by an independent prescriber to administer a medicine.
p.14
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What are Schedule 1 controlled drugs (CDs) in terms of prescribing?
They are rarely used in medicine and require a license from the Home Office to prescribe.
p.20
Abbreviations in Prescribing
Is 'ISMN' an approved abbreviation for prescriptions?
No, it is not approved; drug names should not be abbreviated.
p.19
Good Prescribing Practices
What is oral vancomycin licensed for?
Treatment of Clostridium difficile.
p.22
Good Prescribing Practices
Which patients may require brand prescribing?
Patients requiring critical doses, such as those on immunosuppressants or anti-epileptics.
p.10
Good Prescribing Practices
What is the aim of the Medicines Policy?
To lay out principles for medicine prescription, storage, transportation, supply, and administration.
p.8
Patient Specific Directions (PSD)
Who can be both supplementary and independent prescribers?
Optometrists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and advanced paramedics.
p.19
Good Prescribing Practices
What is a common error in prescribing related to patient history?
Failing to take an accurate drug history.
p.16
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What must always be stated on a prescription for a Schedule 2 controlled drug?
The strength of the preparation.
p.7
Prescription Documentation Standards
What standards are expected of hand-written prescriptions?
Hand-written prescriptions should be clear, legible, and include all necessary information such as patient details, medication name, dosage, and administration route.
p.6
Good Prescribing Practices
What can inaccurate or ambiguous prescribing lead to?
Medication administration errors.
p.6
Good Prescribing Practices
What are the potential consequences of ambiguous prescription documentation?
Patient deaths due to overdoses, underdoses, or omissions of medication.
p.17
Prescription Documentation Standards
What should be documented in the patient's medical notes when prescribing a controlled drug?
The indication and dosing regimen.
p.17
Controlled Drugs Regulations
How should multiple routes of administration for a controlled drug be prescribed?
Each route needs to be written down as a separate item.
p.1
Abbreviations in Prescribing
What does TDS mean in a prescription context?
Three times a day, often interpreted as every 8 hours.
p.5
Good Prescribing Practices
Why is arachis oil a concern in Naspetin cream?
It is contraindicated in patients with a nut allergy, which could cause severe allergic reactions.
p.8
Good Prescribing Practices
Which organization provides guidance on good practice in prescribing for doctors?
The General Medical Council (GMC).
p.12
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
Is it a legal requirement to include the patient's date of birth for patients under 12 years on a prescription?
Yes, it is a legal requirement, and good practice for all prescriptions.
p.5
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What must be documented on a prescription for Schedule 2 or 3 controlled drugs?
The form of the preparation (e.g., tablets, capsules).
p.15
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What additional legal requirements exist for Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs?
Dose, form of preparation, strength (unless only one is available), and total quantity in both words and figures.
p.8
Patient Specific Directions (PSD)
What is the typical duration of training for healthcare professionals to prescribe?
Typically a 6-month course.
p.11
Inpatient and Outpatient Prescribing
What is the FP10HNC outpatient prescription used for?
To prescribe medication that will be obtained from a community pharmacy.
p.23
Monitoring and Reviewing Prescriptions
Why is it important to consider future prescription/dosing instructions?
To prevent potential dosing errors later on.
p.8
Patient Specific Directions (PSD)
Which healthcare professionals can be independent prescribers (IP)?
Optometrists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and podiatrists.
p.13
Controlled Drugs Regulations
How are controlled drugs classified in the UK?
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 into three classes: A, B, and C.
p.13
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What does the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 define?
The groups of individuals authorized to apply for and possess controlled drugs.
p.17
Good Prescribing Practices
What factors should be considered when making decisions about controlled drugs?
Benefits and risks, patient's full medication history, whether the patient is opioid naïve, and evidence-based resources.
p.17
Good Prescribing Practices
What must be considered before supplying a controlled drug on discharge?
Any pre-existing supplies of the controlled drug the patient may have at home.
p.27
Good Prescribing Practices
What should you consider when prescribing medications?
Your limitations of knowledge, skills, and experience.
p.25
Monitoring and Reviewing Prescriptions
What is a key consideration for a healthcare professional reviewing a patient's pain control?
They need to know how long the patient has been on the 75 micrograms patch.
p.21
Abbreviations in Prescribing
What is the correct way to write 0.1 mg?
It is better to write 0.1 g than 100 mg.
p.18
Good Prescribing Practices
What are the GMC guidelines regarding unlicensed medicines?
You must ensure no suitable licensed alternatives exist, have sufficient evidence for use, and document the decision.
p.25
Formulary and Prescribing Guidelines
What is the purpose of a hospital formulary?
To limit the number of drugs available for prescribing, managing risks and healthcare costs.
p.21
Prescription Documentation Standards
What should be documented regarding a patient's allergy status?
Both drug and non-drug allergies should be documented in medical notes and inpatient charts.
p.3
Abbreviations in Prescribing
Which dose units can be abbreviated?
Only milligrams and grams; micrograms must be written out in full.
p.15
Good Prescribing Practices
What is a common prescription error related to quantity?
Not prescribing the total quantity or number of dosage units in both words and figures.
p.22
Good Prescribing Practices
When should brand names be used in prescribing?
When different preparations of the same drug have different release mechanisms or bioavailability profiles.
p.15
Good Prescribing Practices
How should solid preparations be prescribed?
Prescribe the number of dosage units in both words and figures.
p.9
Patient Specific Directions (PSD)
What are Patient Specific Directions (PSDs)?
Written instructions from a prescriber for a medicine to be supplied or administered to a named patient.
p.12
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What could result from incorrectly or poorly completed patient information?
Medication being given to the incorrect patient.
p.10
Good Prescribing Practices
What do Medicines Policies ensure for hospital staff?
That they are aware of their roles, responsibilities, and limitations regarding medication.
p.10
Monitoring and Reviewing Prescriptions
What is the purpose of providing an auditable trail for handling medicines?
To ensure accountability and safety in medication management.
p.14
Prescription Documentation Standards
What is a legal requirement for prescribing Schedule 2 and 3 CDs?
The patient's address must be included.
p.16
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What is the maximum quantity of Schedule 2, 3, and 4 controlled drugs that can be prescribed?
Should not exceed 30 days.
p.18
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What is the status of controlled drugs in terms of prescription?
They are POM status and can only be prescribed by registered practitioners.
p.24
Prescription Documentation Standards
What does circling 'no' for readmission indicate on a prescription?
It indicates that the patient was not on this treatment prior to admission, although this should be confirmed.
p.8
Prescription Documentation Standards
What legislation governs the authorization of medicines for human use in the UK?
The Human Medicines Regulation 2012.
p.18
Off-label and Unlicensed Prescribing
What does off-label prescribing refer to?
Using a drug that has a marketing authorization outside the terms of its license.
p.3
Off-label and Unlicensed Prescribing
What is off-label prescribing?
Prescribing a drug outside the terms of its license.
p.11
Inpatient and Outpatient Prescribing
What are TTOs and TTAs used for?
To prescribe medication for inpatients upon discharge.
p.9
Prescription Documentation Standards
What color code is used for prescriptions issued by nurse independent and supplementary practitioners?
Lilac (e.g., F10PN, SP10SP).
p.22
Good Prescribing Practices
What is the difference between generic and branded drugs?
Generic drugs are non-proprietary, while branded drugs are proprietary.
p.26
Good Prescribing Practices
What are the ten principles of good prescribing focused on?
Clarity, patient history, risk factors, patient expectations, effective medicine selection, adherence to guidelines, legal documentation, monitoring effects, and communication.
p.5
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
Is it necessary to document the strength of a controlled drug preparation if only one form is available?
No, it should only be stated if there is more than one available.
p.26
Monitoring and Reviewing Prescriptions
What should be monitored after prescribing medication?
Beneficial and adverse effects of medicines.
p.24
Good Prescribing Practices
What should be done when altering a dose or frequency?
Re-write the prescription in full and make an entry in the medical notes.
p.10
Good Prescribing Practices
What do Medicines Policies provide?
Guidance and procedures for medicine management in different situations.
p.13
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What is required for patients under 12 on a prescription?
Their age or date of birth must be present.
p.14
Controlled Drugs Regulations
Can F1 doctors prescribe controlled drugs?
No, they cannot prescribe CDs within the supervisory conditions of their employment.
p.23
Patient Specific Directions (PSD)
What is essential to know about the patient's treatment before prescribing?
Whether the patient is commencing treatment or has received it IV or if it is longer term.
p.7
Good Prescribing Practices
What role do good practice guidelines play in prescribing?
Good practice guidelines provide a framework to ensure safe and effective prescribing, helping to minimize risks associated with unlicensed and off-label use.
p.10
Prescription Documentation Standards
What is a Discharge Summary?
A document summarizing the medication prescribed upon a patient's discharge.
p.7
Abbreviations in Prescribing
Can dose units be abbreviated if written in block capitals?
False: Only grams (g) and milligrams (mg) may be abbreviated; all other dose units should be written in full.
p.6
Prescription Documentation Standards
What types of prescription documentation should be discussed?
Different types available in both primary and secondary care.
p.26
Good Prescribing Practices
What do local and national prescribing policies aim to encourage?
Evidence-based practice and cost-effective prescribing.
p.13
Prescription Documentation Standards
What must be included in the address of the prescriber?
The address must be in the UK.
p.25
Prescription Documentation Standards
What should be done to ensure the prescription cancellation is clear?
The cancellation should be signed and dated to identify the prescriber.
p.13
Prescription Documentation Standards
Do hospital prescriptions require additional details?
No, the address is identified by the hospital-approved stationery.
p.18
Off-label and Unlicensed Prescribing
What guidance did the Royal Pharmaceutical Society issue in 2016?
Guidance for the prescribers of Specials to help in safe and appropriate prescribing.
p.10
Prescription Documentation Standards
How are verbal PSDs documented?
They are retrospectively documented on the drug chart.
p.3
Abbreviations in Prescribing
Can the topical route be abbreviated in prescriptions?
No, it should not be abbreviated simply to TOP without additional information.
p.14
Controlled Drugs Regulations
Who can prescribe controlled drugs?
Doctors, dentists, and veterinary surgeons can prescribe CDs, except for Schedule 1.
p.13
Good Prescribing Practices
Why is it important to include the age or date of birth for patients under 12?
It enables accurate dosing verification.
p.22
Prescription Documentation Standards
Why is it important to document the route of administration?
Omission can lead to administration errors, so it should always be clearly documented.
p.15
Prescription Documentation Standards
Are inpatient drug charts subject to the same prescription requirements?
No, they are orders for administration, not for supply.
p.16
Controlled Drugs Regulations
When is it a legal requirement to state the strength of a controlled drug preparation?
If there is more than one strength available.
p.14
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What additional requirement was introduced for prescribing from June 1, 2015?
Temazepam and tramadol were included in the additional prescription writing requirements.
p.7
Prescription Documentation Standards
What standards are expected of computer-generated prescriptions?
Computer-generated prescriptions must be accurate, legible, and include all required information, ensuring they comply with legal and clinical guidelines.
p.7
Good Prescribing Practices
Why is it important to prescribe within the limits of your knowledge, skills, and experience?
Prescribing within these limits ensures patient safety, reduces the risk of errors, and promotes effective treatment outcomes.
p.7
Prescription Documentation Standards
Is it a requirement for all patients to receive a 28-day supply of regular medicines upon discharge?
False: The quantity can vary between Hospital Trusts and should be discussed with the patient.
p.17
Prescription Documentation Standards
What must be communicated to the patient's GP when prescribing controlled drugs?
All of the prescribing decisions that have been made.
p.17
Prescription Documentation Standards
What should be documented if guidance on controlled drugs is not being followed?
This needs to be clearly documented in the patient's medical notes.
p.8
Prescription Documentation Standards
What processes are prescribers involved in according to the Human Medicines Regulation?
Supply, administration, and monitoring of medicines.
p.9
Prescription Documentation Standards
What color code is used for prescriptions issued by GPs, hospitals, and independent prescribers?
Green (e.g., DP10NC, FP10HNC, FP10SS).
p.24
Monitoring and Reviewing Prescriptions
What should be done when reviewing prescriptions?
All medications must be reviewed regularly, unnecessary medications must be stopped, and review dates should be documented.
p.19
Off-label and Unlicensed Prescribing
What is the licensed use of oral hyoscine hydrobromide?
Prevention and relief of travel sickness.
p.8
Good Prescribing Practices
What is necessary for good prescribing beyond legal requirements?
Adherence to best practice elements.
p.22
Good Prescribing Practices
Why is it good practice to prescribe generically?
It allows any suitable presentation of the drug to be supplied, providing flexibility and assisting in managing healthcare costs.
p.21
Prescription Documentation Standards
What should be included in the allergy documentation?
The type of reaction should be clearly documented.
p.5
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What must be stated in words and figures on a prescription for controlled drugs?
The total quantity, not the dose.
p.21
Prescription Documentation Standards
What should be noted if a patient has no known allergies?
The section should be completed to say 'no known allergies.'
p.11
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
Is a computer-generated signature sufficient on a printed FP10 prescription?
False; the signature must be handwritten.
p.19
Good Prescribing Practices
What is another deadly sin of prescribing?
Not knowing your patient.
p.14
Controlled Drugs Regulations
How can you identify Schedule 2 and 3 preparations in the BNF?
They are identified by symbols (CD2 and CD3 in a square box) next to the drug.
p.13
Controlled Drugs Regulations
What is the purpose of NHS England’s Single Operating Model?
To strengthen the governance arrangements for the use and management of controlled drugs.
p.16
Controlled Drugs Regulations
Who can prescribe controlled drugs?
Doctors, dentists, and non-medical prescribers (NMPs) depending on their profession.
p.17
Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What are the three classes of licensed drugs in the UK?
General sales list medicines (GSL), Pharmacy medicines (P), and Prescription only medicines.
p.26
Prescription Documentation Standards
What is essential when writing prescriptions?
To write unambiguous, legal prescriptions using the correct documentation.
p.18
Prescription Documentation Standards
What is the current licensing status of carbamazepine for prophylaxis of manic-depressive episodes?
It is now licensed for this use in patients unresponsive to lithium.
p.15
Good Prescribing Practices
How should liquid preparations be prescribed?
Prescribe the total quantity in both words and figures.
p.26
Prescription Documentation Standards
What should be communicated and documented in prescribing?
Prescribing decisions and the reasons for them.
p.9
Good Prescribing Practices
What is the purpose of a 'Medicines policy' or 'Medicines Code' in hospitals and prisons?
To define the authorizations to supply and administer medicines.
p.7
Off-label and Unlicensed Prescribing
What is meant by unlicensed and off-label prescribing?
Unlicensed prescribing refers to using a medication that has not been approved for a specific indication, while off-label prescribing involves using a licensed medication for an indication not specified in its approved labeling.
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Prescription Documentation Standards
What must be stated for the total quantity of Schedule 2 and 3 CDs?
The total quantity or number of dose units must be stated in both words and figures.
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Good Prescribing Practices
What is a key area of focus in good prescribing practice?
The underpinning knowledge required to prescribe legally, safely, and unambiguously.
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Good Prescribing Practices
What framework has been developed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society?
A single competency framework for all prescribers.
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Controlled Drugs Regulations
What guidance did NICE issue in 2016 regarding controlled drugs?
Guidance on 'Controlled drugs, safe use and management.'
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Prescription Documentation Standards
What should be annotated on a prescription for a 'when required' controlled drug?
Clear instructions on use, indication, max dose, and frequency.
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Legal Requirements of Prescriptions
What is required for a medication to be licensed in the UK?
It must be granted a Marketing Authorisation (MA) by the MHRA.
