PHARM27 Undertake an in-process accuracy check of assembled prescribed items prior to the final accuracy check

Overview

This standard describes the skills, knowledge and understanding required to demonstrate competence in undertaking the in-process accuracy checking of assembled prescribed items against prescriptions received from individuals prior to the final accuracy check of a prescription. This involves ensuring that the correct item is dispensed against a valid prescription and errors in dispensing are reduced. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. the limits of your own role and recognising when to refer to an appropriate person
2. Standard Operating Procedures and the importance of adhering to them at all times
3. current ethical and legal and professional requirements that govern the dispensing of a prescription
4. the different types of check on a prescription
5. different types of prescribers
6. the types of medicines supply  
7. how to identify near misses and dispensing errors
8. the causes and consequences of near misses and dispensing errors
9. error recording
10. the details required on a prescription and why these are necessary
11. the prescribing conventions and abbreviations
12. the common proprietary and generic names
13. how medicines are administered
14. different strengths, doses and quantities of medicines
15. different relevant national and local guidelines, policies, procedures that are available including:
1. when they should be used
2. how to use them
16. when and why Patient Medication Records (PMRs) are used
17. the importance of maintaining dispensary records

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. ensure that you work in accordance with current Standard Operating Procedures at all times
2. refer queries at all times to a suitably qualified person
3. ensure that the prescription has had a clinical check and has been assessed as suitable for dispensing by an appropriate person
4. check with the appropriate person to confirm that the prescription is valid
5. check that all prescribed items have been assembled according to instructions
1. check that the correct item has been dispensed in the correct form and correct strength
2. check that the correct quantity has been dispensed or arrangements for further future supply made as indicated on the prescription
3. check that the label on the item matches the dispensed product and the prescription requirements including the form and strength
4. check that the assembled items are fit for purpose
5. check appropriate packaging has been used
6. check appropriate selection of medicine devices/sundry items to accompany the medicine or product
6. rectify any dispensing errors in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
7. annotate and endorse prescription in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
8. ensure any dispensing errors are recorded in accordance with local policies and guidelines
9. record the date and your details in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
10. once satisfied with the in-process accuracy in dispensing, pass the dispensed prescription on for a final accuracy check to be undertaken by a suitably qualified person

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB10 Products to meet health and wellbeing needs