Medicines Management

Abstract

Medicines management and drug therapy are integral parts of clinical practice for most healthcare professionals working in emergency and urgent care. This chapter covers topics that include the Medicines Act of 1968, the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971), the legal classifications of drugs, the role of prescription only exemptions in clinical practice and the use of Patient Group Directions (PGDs). It describes progress regarding non-medical prescribing and demonstrates the importance and relevance of continuing professional development in relation to all of these aspects of safe medicines management. Some authors recommend five good sources of drug information for paramedics which are: The Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC); The British National Formulary (BNF); Medication Package inserts; National Poisons Information Service; and Pharmacology textbooks. With the exception of the JRCALC, all will have similar relevance to any practitioner working in emergency or urgent care (with the exception of the JRCALC).