Mechanisms of prescribing

Question 1

What is prescribing?

Answer 1

To order in writing the supply of a prescription only medicine (POM) for a named patient.

Question 2

What are the 10 principles of good prescribing?

Answer 2

• Be clear about reasons for prescribing.
• Take into account pts medications and history
• Take into account other factors that can alter benefits/risks of treatment
• Take ICE into consideration
• Select effective, safe, and cost effective meds.
• Adhere to national guidelines.
• Use unambiguous legal prescriptions.
• Monitor beneficial and adverse effects of meds.
• Communicate and document prescribing decisions.
• Prescribe within limitations of knowledge.

Question 3

What are the 4 elements of good prescribing?

Answer 3

Maximise effectiveness
Minimise risk - pharmacovigilance and safety
Minimise cost
Respect patient choice

Question 4

Whats an independent prescriber?

Answer 4

Practitioners responsible and accountable for the assessment of patients with previously undiagnosed or diagnosed conditions and for decisions about the clinical management required, including prescribing.

Question 5

Whats a supplementary prescriber?

Answer 5

This prescribing mechanism is a partnership between an independent prescriber AND a supplementary prescriber to implement an agreed Clinical Management Plan for an individual patient, with that patients agreement.