New guidance on good practice for area prescribing committees (APCs) in England
has been published by the National Prescribing Centre.
The guidance document aims to set out the qualities and requirements of effective
APCs, together with suggested responsibilities and lines of communication and
examples of good practice. It is intended to be read by pharmacists and managers
at health authorities, hospital or community trusts, and primary care groups
or trusts.
The guidance has been drawn up by the NPC in response to recent changes, including
the national plan for the NHS and the introduction of PCTs. At the beginning
of the year, the NPC undertook a survey of APC activities, the results of which
are outlined in the document.
According to the guidance, an effective APC should be strategic and advisory,
have professional and managerial support within its area and should be seen
as “the conduit through which consensus can be reached on medicines management
issues”. One of the key roles of APCs will be the local implementation
of National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance and national service
frameworks.
The membership of APCs should be a core of relevant senior professionals and
managers, together with other individuals representing particular local heath
care structures. APCs should also give consideration as to how the views of
social services and the public can be taken into account.
APCs should publish their decisions widely and rapidly. The guidance says that
they should consider the use of websites and e-mail.
Copies of the guidance “Area prescribing committees: maintaining effectiveness in the modern NHS” are available on written request from the National Prescribing Centre, The Infirmary, 70 Pembroke Place, Liverpool L69