The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 279 No 7480 p629
1 December 2007

Society summary

New guidance launched on how to handle medicines in care homes

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Scottish office launched pharmaceutical guidance to improve the safety and quality of medicines management in every type of care home last week.

Recent years have seen rapid growth in “social care” establishments and a 2006 report by the Commission for Social Care and Inspection criticised medicines handling standards in these settings, concluding that homes need to “put their house in order and place medication management at the top of their agendas.”

This research was conducted in England, but the Society believes similar issues exist in Scotland and the document, “The handling of medicines in social care”, was produced in response to the need for clear guidance.

“We know how crucial it is that medicines are managed properly in Scotland’s social care environments. Where mistakes are made, residents may not get the medicine they need, and at worst, lives can be put at risk. The Society takes this issue seriously, and understands the difficult working environments care workers operate in,” said Rose Marie Parr, chairman of the Scottish Pharmacy Board.

“That’s why we worked with experts from across this field to develop clear guidance, updating our last documentation with the latest legislation and drawing on the profession’s own experience and knowledge,” she added. “Above all, this new document has been prepared by the right people — pharmacists who also know the social care world.”

The guidance document covers:

• Key principles that underpin the safe and appropriate handling of medicines

• Practical procedures and methods for handling medicines that represent good professional practice

• General aspects of medicines management relating to specific care services

• Policies, systems, procedures and devices for consideration when implementing measures for handling medicines

The guidance replaces “The administration and control of medicine in care homes and children’s services”, published by the Society in 2003. It has been produced in a user-friendly format using plain language so that is accessible to those who do not necessarily have formal medical or health care qualifications.

Attending the launch, Mary Scanlon, MSP, said: “Safe and proper use of medicines is a vital part of the protection we expect all those being cared for to receive. Regulations evolve as society’s attitudes and expectations change, and this guidance will help all those who work in the social care sector get a better understanding of where current best practice is now.

“I’m pleased to see that the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has brought everyone together to discuss this issue, and that they’re now issuing clear and updated advice to the sector.”