Patient Involvement: Individuals have the right to participate in discussions and make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Use of NICE Guidelines: Provides clarity on prescribing practices, including off-label use, and emphasizes informed decision-making.
Evidence-Based Guidance: Recommendations are informed by the best available evidence.
1.3 Medicines Reconciliation
Definition: Process of ensuring an accurate list of a person’s medications, including over-the-counter and complementary medicines, is maintained and communicated.
Acute Setting (1.3.1): Conduct reconciliation within 24 hours when transitioning between care settings.
Multiple Reconciliations (1.3.2): Required during hospital stays at admission, ward transfers, or discharge.
Primary Care (1.3.3): Reconciliation post-hospital discharge should occur within one week.
Organizational Responsibility (1.3.4): A designated health professional should oversee reconciliation processes.
Competency (1.3.5): Professionals conducting reconciliation should be trained and competent.
Patient Involvement (1.3.6): Involve patients and carers in the reconciliation process.
Documentation (1.3.7): Record information electronically or on paper.
1.4 Medication Review
Purpose: Structured, critical evaluation to optimize medication use and reduce waste.
Target Groups (1.4.1): Includes those with polypharmacy, chronic conditions, or older individuals.
Health Professional Role (1.4.2): Led by a qualified individual with technical, therapeutic, and communication skills.
Considerations During Review (1.4.3): Include patient views, concerns, all medications, and safety assessments.
1.5 Self-Management Plans
Definition: Plans supporting individuals in managing their conditions using medicines.
Discussion Points (1.5.1): Include knowledge, benefits, risks, preferences, plan usage, and support needs.
Plan Content (1.5.2): Should detail start/review dates, medicines, allergies, and when to seek professional advice.
Review (1.5.3): Ensure no issues with plan usage.
1.6 Patient Decision Aids
Role: Facilitates shared decision-making, enhancing patient involvement in their healthcare.
Patient Involvement (1.6.1): Offer opportunities for decision-making participation.
Values and Preferences (1.6.2): Understand and respect individual values/preferences.
Use in Consultations (1.6.3 - 1.6.5): Apply evidence-based medicine principles and use decision aids appropriately.
Training (1.6.10): Healthcare professionals should be trained to use decision aids effectively.
1.7 Clinical Decision Support
Definition: Integrated IT systems to support decision-making and prescribing.
Considerations (1.7.1 - 1.7.4): Systems should support but not replace clinical judgement, include safety alerts, and be up-to-date.
Terms Used in Guidance
Adverse Drug Reaction: Unintended response to a medicinal product.