74. Uptake of the Nice Osteoarthritis Core Treatments In Community Dwelling Older Adults with a Self-Reported Primary Care Consultation for Joint Pain

Abstract

shared care High Risk Medicine Testing to ensure that safe and effective processes are in place. Methods: Identification of patients on high-risk medicines was performed through multiple computer searches using ESCRO and Vision. Patients receiving high-risk medicines who were not found on the ESCRO search were added to the High Risk Medicines Register. Patients on the ESCRO search list who had discontinued medication or transferred out were removed from the Register. Drug monitoring was checked through All Patient Tests tab on Vision for each individual patient. Results: Of the 131 patients being prescribed high-risk medicines by the Nairn Healthcare Group on 27/07/2012, 68 patients (52%) were on the High-Risk Medicines Register. However, 62 patients (43%) were not on the High-Risk Medicines Register and 7 patients (5%) were no longer active or had discontinued medication. Adequate drug monitoring according to NHS Highland Rheumatology Department Guidelines was achieved in only 74 patients (65%), by manual recall arranged by administration staff. Conclusion: The keeping of a High-Risk Medicines Register is essential to ensure that patients on high-risk medicines are identified and receive a continuing service of high quality care. General guidance for shared care prescribing states that the doctor prescribing the medication legally assumes clinical responsibility for the patient and the consequence of the use of the high-risk drug. It is therefore important that action is taken by the GP who has undertaken this role, if test results are abnormal. It can be seen from this audit that the current recall system for drug monitoring of patients at the Nairn Healthcare Group is inefficient. GP practices should develop formal, computer-driven recall systems for the monitoring of patients receiving high-risk medicines, including a robust mechanism for recalling defaulters. Patients must be educated about the management of their disease and the potential adverse side effects of the drugs prescribed. In addition, communication between primary and secondary care must be improved to ascertain who is responsible for monitoring. Disclosure statement: The author has declared no conflicts of interest.