Abstract
Introduction
Across inpatient HSC settings ward based medicines management pharmacy technicians support ward based multi-disciplinary teams. The aim of this study was to explore the potential role and impact of a medicines management pharmacy technician and ‘stock solution’ in a Care Home facility.
Method
A 30 bedded private Care Home was identified for the pilot. A medicines management pharmacy technician liaised with senior nursing staff to review and understand the monthly medication ordering process. The technician audited the Care Home’s medication destruction records for 4 months and reviewed all the medication documentation i.e. T-MARs, kardexes and MAR charts. A ‘PRN medication stock solution’ with standard operating procedure (SOP) for use was devised and trialled for 2 months.
Results
The monthly medication ordering process took a minimum of 12 hours, if no discrepancies/queries. This process could be completed by a medicines management pharmacy technician.
From destruction records the combined wastage of medications, controlled drugs and topical medications extrapolated to £11163.66 per year.
An average of 2.33 discrepancies per resident were identified between kardex and MAR. 87.7% were classed as Eadon grade 4 i.e. intervention is significant and results in an improvement in the standard of care. The remainder were Eadon graded 3. An average of 0.2 discrepancies per resident were found between the T-MAR and MAR/Kardex. These discrepancies were classed as Eadon grade 3 - Intervention is significant but does not lead to an improvement in patient care.
Following stock solution trial nursing staff completed questionnaires. Questionnaire response rate was 71%. The majority of responses were positive about the trial.
Conclusion
Use of a Medicine Management pharmacy technician, together with a ‘PRN medication stock solution’, similar to medicines management in a hospital ward would lead to a reduction of waste, cost savings and an improved standard of care.