The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7242 p425
29 March 2003

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News summary

NPC collaborative improves drug use

There is emerging evidence that the first wave of the National Prescribing Centre's medicines management collaborative is leading to "significant improvements" in a range of medicines management activities. So says a new report on progress made during the first year of the collaborative.

The report, "MMS Wave 1 review" is based on data submitted by 26 primary care trusts (PCTs) taking part in the first wave of the programme, which began in 2001. It says that many project teams have reported financial and efficacy savings as a result of the activities undertaken. The most successful work to date has included:

• Prescription intervention through community pharmacies

• Medication reviews

• Repeat prescribing initiatives

The report also highlights the benefits of involving PCT senior managers when introducing medicines management schemes. "The involvement of senior managers, for example, the PCT chief executive or board members, significantly enhanced the organisation's involvement and ability to make improvements," the report says.

Programme director Richard Seal said: "We are delighted with the progress made by sites in the first wave of the programme. The results show that there have been significant improvements across the board."

A second and third wave have now joined the programme, bringing the total number of pilot sites up to 106 PCTs across England.

The report is expected to be published on the National Prescribing Centre website soon (www.npc.co.uk).