What is the definition of medicines management?
The answer to this can vary between countries, or even regions, and for different approaches to healthcare.
As a UK based organisation, JAC subscribes to definitions which are based on statements from the National Audit Office, in their Spoonful of Sugar report, and other British experts.
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Definition of Medicines Management Medicines management in hospitals encompasses the entire way that medicines are selected, procured, delivered, prescribed, administered and reviewed to optimise the contribution that medicines make to producing informed and desired outcomes of patient care. |
Definition of Pharmaceutical Care Pharmaceutical Care is the responsible provision of medication-related care that promotes comprehensive, coordinated management of patient's medication use with the goal of definite outcomes that improve a patient's quality of life. |
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The following simple scenario illustrates the role of medicines management as part of effective healthcare delivery:
A hospital patient discusses her medication with the healthcare team on their ward round. The pharmacist team-member explains proposed changes to the medication, which the patient will administer herself. The pharmacist also discusses learning points with other team members. New medication is agreed between members of the clinical team and ordered at the bedside though a wireless computer linked to an automated dispensary, where robotic systems pick the new medicines and collates orders. Computer technology updates the patient's record and medication history. The medication that has been issued is simultaneously recorded to update stock records and fresh supplies are ordered. When the new medication is due, the nurse conducting the ward-round is presented with clear, complete and verified information. The nurse is able to record the administration outcome to the clinical electronic patient record. While the patient is being discharged, a discharge summary letter is produced and sent electronically to the hospital's discharge letter system and the patient's GP. After the episode, all information collected during the visit is interrogated by the hospital's management team to identify trends or anomalies and recommend changes to clinical practise. |
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Today, around half of the NHS uses JAC as their primary pharmacy management system and more than a dozen hospitals have chosen to implement JAC's e-prescribing and medicines administration system. The integrated nature of JAC's closed-loop medicines management solution make scenarios like this possible and brings patients and clinicians together at the centre of care.
Visit the Medicines management area of our website to find out more.