Equality Act Flashcards
What does the phrase ‘reasonable adjustments’ mean in a pharmacy setting?
- Changes to the physical features of the pharmacy
- Changes in the way services are provided.
What is the definition of disabled?
- Mental, sensory or physical impairement
- Long-term effect on their ability to carry out normal activities.
True or False: A long-term condition must only be if it has lasted for more than 12 months.
False. If they are not going to get any better, don’t have to wait for 12 months for patient to be considered disabled.
If a patient has glasses or contact lenses. are they considered disabled?
No. These are used to help correct their vision.
If a patient is wearing hearing aids, are they considered disabled?
Yes.
True or False: A person needs a diagnosis to come under the Equality Act.
False.
-> patient may come into pharmacy saying they keep forgetting how to take a medication
Is having depression considered a disability?
Yes as it causing impairment (an inability to concentrate)
When may the Equality Act not apply?
- Lifestyle choices such a tattoos and non-medical piercing which may lead to complications.
- Seasonal allergies
- Addiction - self-induced
In a pharmacy setting, who does the Equality Act only apply to?
Patients. Only they can be assessed.
When assessing a patient, what do you need to find out?
- Is the person disabled? Yes..
- What ‘reasonable adjustment’ of the services provided by the pharmacy is required?
What should you do if the patients symptoms improve?
Reassess patient as Equality Act may no longer apply.
How is a patient usually assessed?
Assessment forms available to ask patient questions.
If a patient is not considered under the Equality Act, they may complain. What do you need to make sure you do?
Document any decisions made with justification.
What are the three things that need to be considered when making ‘reasonable adjustments’?
- Patient Safety
- Resources (Time and Cost)
- Clinical Governance (High-quality care)
What does MCA stand for and what are they?
Multi-compartment compliance aids.
-> basically medi packs
Disadvantages of MCAs.
- Not suitable for all medicines: liquids, prn meds, variable doses (taking 1-2 tablets)
- Labelling
- Errors can occur
- Changes to treatment in middle of pack difficult
- Reduces patient’s knowledge of medicines
- Time and cost
- Patient may use them wrong
- Not child resistant
- Sealing not effective
- CD - whole box in CD cabinet
- Repackaging -> unlicensed
Advantages of MCAs.
- Allow patient to live in own home -> independence
- Safer than patient filling own MCA
- Useful as compliance check
- Easier if have many medicines
- Can improve adherence
What are other ways pharmacists can help improve compliance?
- Supply medicines in calendar packs
- Large print labels
- Medicine Administration Record (MAR) chart
- Medicines Reminder Chart
- Change medicine in way to help patient (Take 1 tablet OD instead on 1 BD)
- Advice on timing of medication
- Administration aids for eye drops, inhalers, creams
- Prescription collection/delivery
- Electronic reminders
