apply to medicines that are imported from the USA12 Every medicine pack includes a patient information leaflet:Providing information on using the medicine safelyThe patient information leaflet is based on information in the SPC of the medicineProvides information on using controlled drugs onlyA and B
13 Independent prescribers:Must be supervised at all times by a pharmacistAre only allowed to prescribe in the independent and voluntary sectorsAre able to prescribe any medicine provided it is in their competency to do so.Must also hold a pharmacy qualification
14 Pharmacology is:The study of chemical reactions and medicationThe study of how communities respond to the introduction of vaccinationsA branch of science that deals only with the effects of alcohol, nicotine and cannabis on living systemsA branch of science that deals with the study of drugs and their actions on living systems
15 A pharmacist is:A doctor who has a special interest in drugs and medicationsA licensed health professional who prepares, dispenses and advises on medicinal productsA scientist who researches new drugsAnother name for a chemist
Find Out More
The following are a list of conditions that are associated with this chapter. Take some time and write notes about each of the conditions and how they apply to chapter content. Think about the medications that may be used in order to treat these conditions and be specific about the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Remember to include aspects of patient care. If you are making notes about people you have offered care and support to, you must ensure that you have adhered to the rules of confidentiality.
| THE CONDITION | YOUR NOTES |
|---|---|
| Sarcoma | |
| Attention deficit hyperactive disorder | |
| Diabetes | |
| Pneumonia | |
| Drug overdose on lysergic acid |
2 How to Use Pharmaceutical and Prescribing Reference Guides
Claire Pryor, Annette Hand and Elaine Robinson
Aim
This chapter aims to introduce the reader to commonly used pharmaceutical and prescribing reference guides and their use in practice. Specific focus is placed on the British National Formulary for children (BNFc) and other reference guides used in clinical practice.
Learning Outcomes
After reading this chapter, the reader will:
Be aware of the different pharmaceutical and reference guides that may be used in practice
Understand how to navigate the BNFc (in both print and electronic formats)
Recognise the different prescribing reference guides available (local and national)
Discuss the benefits of using pharmaceutical and prescribing reference guides in practice
Test Your Knowledge
1 How many times a year is the print version of the BNFc updated?
2 Is the information in the BNFc and BNF the same?
3 What schedule of controlled drug is midazolam?
4 What is a GSL medication?
5 Where will you find national prescribing guidelines for managing constipation in children?
Introduction
The world of medications is vast and learning about them can be daunting for all nursing and healthcare students (as well as registered professionals). The people you care for may have extensive lists of medications you need to be able to review, administer, consider interactions and monitor effects of these.
Professional bodies have specific standards of practice in relation to medicines and pharmacological knowledge and this will relate to the practitioner’s role. The Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) code (NMC, 2018a) states in standard 18 that nurses and nursing associates must
Advise on, prescribe, supply, dispense or administer medicines within the limits of your training and competence, the law, our guidance and other relevant policies, guidance and regulations
(Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018a)
Further guidance is issued for nursing associates: the NMC stipulates the requirement for nursing associates; as per section 3:16 of their standards of proficiency they must:
demonstrate the ability to recognise the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivity, side effects, contraindications and adverse reactions
(Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018b)
In order to fulfil these requirements, healthcare professionals must have a level of pharmaceutical knowledge and an awareness of how to and where to find appropriate information to support practice. In a sea of new products and complex regimens, where can you turn to for up‐to‐date, clear and concise information to guide your practice? There are numerous guides, websites, texts and resources that are readily available. Ensuring a robust and evidence‐based selection of these is paramount, but the choice is also personal. Some are web‐based, some print‐based, and the recent evolution of healthcare apps for professionals means that there is a selection for all user preferences.
This chapter aims to introduce you to using pharmaceutical and prescribing reference guides with a specific focus on the British National Formulary for Children (BNFc) and other pharmaceutical reference guides. These guides are vital and valuable resources to draw upon to ensure safe, accountable and evidence‐based care that is matched to the needs and wishes of the people you care for.
Skills in Practice
You are a first‐year student on your first placement, with your practice supervisor you are assessing a new admission for a 12‐year‐old child with their parents. The parents give you a list of medication their child takes and it has lots of names on it that are new to you. You want to impress your supervisor and find out about them for your next shift. How do you do this? Where do you turn?
Your supervisor suggests you look them up and points you to a paper copy of the BNFc. Upon opening it, it appears confusing, full of sections and symbols, and you are unsure how to find the information you need.
Open a paper copy of the BNFc and find the last drug you discussed or saw in practice
