MEP 3.3.15/16/17 Prescribing and dispensing/supply/administration by the same person

can the same person dispensing/supply/administer medicines

Wherever possible, the actions of prescribing and dispensing/supply/administration are performed by separate healthcare professionals.

what should we do if the same person dispensing/supply/administer medicines

a risk assessment should be conducted to establish if prescribing and dispensing/supply/administration of medicines by the same person is in the best interests of the patient. A robust audit trail of the decisions should be made and the actions taken should then be communicated with other professionals supporting the patient's care.

can we prescribe for close family

It is generally considered poor practice to self-prescribe or to prescribe for persons for whom there is a close personal relationship

The professional judgement of the prescriber may be impaired or influenced by the person they are prescribing for

what is the minimum number of people that should be involved in dispensing process

2

what should the person accuracy checking a prescription not be involved in

, the person undertaking the accuracy check should not be involved in the assembly process, to reduce the potential risk to patient safety and likelihood of errors.

what is self checking

Self-checking occurs when the same individual is responsible for the dispensing and the final accuracy checking process