A performance management framework for the assessment of medicines management systems in National Health Service hospitals in England has been launched by the Department of Health. The new framework was announced by Lord Hunt (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health) at a the Parliamentary All-Party Pharmacy Group's annual general meeting on December 12.
The framework is to be used by acute trusts to examine the processes they have for monitoring prescribing, medicines management, drug and therapeutic committees, formularies, medicines expenditure and links with primary care.
"Getting clinical and cost-effective use of medicines in hospitals is crucial if the significant health benefits that come from the appropriate use of medicines are to be achieved," Lord Hunt said. "Good hospital services need to make sure that patients' medicines are right from the point they are admitted and that they make the most of pharmacists' clinical skills, not least in monitoring and adjusting complex medication. This requires, not just the input of pharmacists, but an organisation-wide approach involving prescribers and managers as well."
Lord Hunt said that the new framework was based on pilot work carried out at 14 hospitals.