Lecture 13: Standard Operating Procedures Flashcards
What should SOPs allow?
The continual improvement of standards of service and provide evidence of commitment to protecting patients
What is a SOP?
It is a document that specifies in writing what should be done, when, where and by whom
It is designed to place strategies for risk management and risk mijimisation
What is a general outline for preparing SOPs?
For each procedure, think about
Objectives Scope Stages of the process Responsibility Other useful info Review
What should be considered when thinking about objectives
What is the procedure trying to achieve?
What should be considered when thinking about scope.
What areas of work are to be covered by the procedure?
What should be considered when thinking about stages of the process?
You should clearly describe how the task should be carried out, so that someone trained can do it.
If this is done by a technician, it needs to be checked by a pharmacist
What needs to be considered when thinking about responsibility?
Who is responsible for carrying out each stage of the process?
I.e. A technician can do the physical work but it needs to be checked before giving to the patient
What needs to be considered when thinking of other useful info to put on the SOP?
Is there any other info that could be useful in the SOP?
Does the SOP incorporate mechanisms for audit?
What needs to be considered when thinking about the review part of the SOP?
How will you ensure procedures continue to be useful, relevant and updated?
What are the benefits of having SOPs?
Help to assure quality of service
Helps to ensure good practice is achieved at all times
Enables pharmacists to delegate and may free up time for other activities
Help to avoid confusion over who does what.
Provides advice and guidance to locums and part time staff
Useful training tools for new members of staff
Provides a contribution to the audit process
