Despite repeated warnings about an unfavourable balance between risks and benefits, prescribing of quinine salts in NECS stakeholder CCGs has remained remarkably constant in recent years. The MHRA have issued a reminder about the potential for quinine to effect the QT interval, along with updated information about interactions – particularly with anticonvulsant drugs. Advice for healthcare professionals: be Continue Reading »
NHS England & NHS Clinical Commissioners have published a quick reference guide (QRG) to Conditions for which over the counter items should not routinely be prescribed in primary care. The OTC QRG sets out the reasons for recommending that certain treatments of limited clinical effectiveness, or used for conditions that are either self-limiting or suitable for self-care, should not be routinely prescribed in primary care Continue Reading »
The Academic Health Science Network for the North East & North Cumbria have refreshed the Anticoagulant Treatment in Atrial Fibrillation Card Deck distributed to GPs across the region in 2017. The refreshed Card Deck, produced jointly with Northern England Clinical Networks and endorsed by the Atrial Fibrillation Association and the Stroke Association, has been designed to help GPs manage AF more effectively. The Continue Reading »
The Department of Health and Social Care have published a Short Life Working Group report on reducing medication-related harm. The report, which was informed by a review of the evidence on medication errors in England produced by the Policy Research Unit in Economic Evaluation of Health and Care Interventions (EEPRU), makes recommendations for a programme of work to tackle medication error Continue Reading »
The Medicines Use and Safety Division of the Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS) have published a March 2018 update on the SPS website with information on a range of topics, including: Recent Resources Collaborative Audits Work in Progress Network Events Publications The Network Events section includes details of a forthcoming meeting dedicated to Delivering the WHO “Medication With Out Harm” Patient Safety Continue Reading »