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 CCGs in the North East and North Cumbria have agreed to work on a range of large scale initiatives to help tackle prescribing issues which are applicable to all areas. One of these initiatives is the promotion self-care for common conditions such as acute pain, hay fever and travel medication.
Resources are being distributed to all practices, pharmacies, walk-in centres and A&E departments and include posters and leaflets to help promote this initiative to patients. In addition to this there will be a social media campaign to reinforce these messages using Twitter and Facebook.
A detailed guide for professional use has been developed as part of the regional self-care campaign. This explains the rationale for why certain conditions may be suitable for self-care whilst highlighting any specific patient groups which may be excluded due to age or the chronic nature of their illness.
The document is to serve as a guideline for prescribers but does not remove the clinician’s right to decide the most appropriate treatment for a patient.
