Single assessment framework
Medicines optimisation
Quality statement
We expect providers, commissioners and system leaders live up to this statement:
We make sure that medicines and treatments are safe and meet people’s needs, capacities and preferences by enabling them to be involved in planning, including when changes happen.
What this quality statement means
- People are appropriately involved in decisions about their medicines.
- People are involved with assessments and reviews about the level of support they need to manage their medicines safely and to make sure their preferences are included. This is clearly documented in their care plan.
- The approach to medicines reflects current and relevant best practice and professional guidance.
- People’s medicines are appropriately prescribed, supplied and administered in line with the relevant legislation, current national guidance or best available evidence, and in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Accurate, up-to-date information about people’s medicines is available, particularly when they move between health and care settings, in line with current national guidance, when transferring between locations or changing levels of care.
- People’s behaviour is not inappropriately controlled by medicines.
- There are appropriate arrangements for the safe management, use and oversight of controlled drugs.
I statements
I statements reflect what people have said matters to them.
- I feel safe and am supported to understand and manage any risks.
- I know what to do and who I can contact when I realise that things might be at risk of going wrong or my health condition may be worsening.
- If my treatment, including medication, has to change, I know why and am involved in the decision.
- I have considerate support delivered by competent people.
Subtopics this quality statement covers
- IV medicines /fluids/medical gasses
- Medicines management
- Roles and responsibilities, delegation
- Prescribing
- Self-medication
- Consent/decisions/covert administration (including MCA)
- Controlled drugs
- Storage and disposal
- Antimicrobial stewardship
- STOMP/STAMP
We expect providers to be aware of and follow the following best practice guidance.
Central Alerting System (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
Drug Safety Update (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
Learn from patient safety events (LFPSE) service (NHS England)
Medicines Management
Safe and secure handling of medicines (Royal Pharmaceutical Society)
Consent/decisions/covert administration (including MCA)
Covert administration of medicines in adults: legal issues (Specialist Pharmacy Service)
Antimicrobial stewardship
Antimicrobial stewardship (NICE guidance [QS121])
Infection prevention and control (NICE guidance [QS61])
STOMP/STAMP
Stopping over medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both (STOMP) (NHS England)
Supporting Treatment and Appropriate Medication in Paediatrics (STAMP) (NHS England)
Prescribing
Guidance on prescribing (NICE guidance: BNF)
Prescribing Competency Framework (Royal Pharmaceutical Society)
Standards of proficiency for nurse and midwife prescribers (Nursing & Midwifery Council)
Non-medical prescribers (Royal College of Nursing)
Roles and responsibilities, delegation
Delegation and accountability (Nursing & Midwifery Council)
Controlled drugs
Controlled drugs: safe use and management (NICE guidance [NG46])