Advice on medicines usage

Aim: To develop compliance via concordance.

Advice on 'when required' medication

Aim: To clarify and document 'when required' medication use to avoid accidental under-and overdose.

Appropriate use of different dosage forms

Aim: To counsel on best use (e.g. inhaler technique, soluble, sublingual use, patches).

Advice on tolerability of medicines

Aim: To recognise side-effects and counsel on predicted side-effects, management and ADR reporting via the Yellow Card scheme.

Dealing with practical problems preventing adherence

Aim: To address issues on obtaining medication, especially ordering and avoiding running out, and synchronisation of quantities.

Advice on medication 'as directed by prescriber'

Aim: To provide detailed instructions on how and when to take the medication.

Identify medicines no longer to be taken

Aim: To avoid unintentional consumption of discontinued medication.

Identify a dose or strength change

Aim: To advise on pharmaceutical optimisation (e.g. one 40mg tablet instead of two 20mg tablets).

Identify generic vs. branded prescribing

Aim: To facilitate cost-effective prescribing where there are no restrictions (e.g. prescribing by brand).

Identify branded vs. generic prescribing

Aim: To facilitate prescribing of branded products where the formulation or medicine requires continuity of brand/make.

See Table 1: Medicine-related factors leading to poor outcomes from treatment for inclusion in post-discharge MURs or NMS consultations