GPhC Dispensing Practice & Controlled Drugs 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) Release 2?
- A system allowing electronic transfer of prescriptions from prescriber to pharmacy with electronic signatures (Correct answer)
- An updated paper prescription format
- A digital patient medication record
- A real-time drug interaction checker
Correct answer: A system allowing electronic transfer of prescriptions from prescriber to pharmacy with electronic signatures
EPS Release 2 enables the full electronic prescription workflow: the prescriber signs digitally, the prescription is sent electronically to the patient's nominated pharmacy, and the dispense is transmitted back to the NHS BSA.
Question 2: A patient's dispensing label should include which information as a minimum?
- Patient name, drug name, strength, dose instructions, quantity, pharmacy name and address, and date of dispensing (Correct answer)
- Only drug name and dose
- Only patient name and dispensing date
- Drug name and prescriber name only
Correct answer: Patient name, drug name, strength, dose instructions, quantity, pharmacy name and address, and date of dispensing
Under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, dispensing labels must include: patient name, drug name, strength, directions, quantity, pharmacy name/address, and dispensing date.
Question 3: What is a 'owing slip' in dispensing?
- A written record given to a patient when part of a prescription is dispensed due to stock shortage (Correct answer)
- A prescription that has been overpaid
- A CD requisition form
- A clinical trial document
Correct answer: A written record given to a patient when part of a prescription is dispensed due to stock shortage
An owing slip documents that part of a dispensed prescription has been supplied with a remainder owed when stock becomes available. It must include the outstanding drug, quantity, and patient details.
Question 4: Which body administers the NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) Prescription Pricing Division?
- NHS BSA (Correct answer)
- GPhC
- NICE
- NHS England
Correct answer: NHS BSA
The NHS BSA Prescription Pricing Division processes NHS prescription claims from dispensing contractors, calculates reimbursements, and monitors dispensing activity nationally.
Question 5: A patient presents with a prescription for diazepam 10 mg tablets, 56 tablets. What consideration applies?
- Diazepam is Schedule 4 Part 1 CD — it requires a valid prescription but not a CD register entry or safe custody (Correct answer)
- It can be dispensed without a prescription in an emergency
- It requires full Schedule 2 CD register entry
- It cannot be legally prescribed for more than 14 days
Correct answer: Diazepam is Schedule 4 Part 1 CD — it requires a valid prescription but not a CD register entry or safe custody
Diazepam is Schedule 4 Part 1 (benzodiazepines). It requires a valid prescription but not a CD register entry, CD requisition, or mandatory safe custody, though safe storage is recommended.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'clinical check' performed by a pharmacist during dispensing?
- To review a prescription for clinical appropriateness, drug interactions, dose accuracy, and patient suitability (Correct answer)
- To check the physical appearance of tablets
- To verify the prescriber's signature is present
- To confirm the prescription form is the correct colour
Correct answer: To review a prescription for clinical appropriateness, drug interactions, dose accuracy, and patient suitability
The pharmacist's clinical check reviews all aspects of appropriateness: indication, dose, frequency, duration, interactions, contraindications, and patient-specific factors.
GPhC Dispensing Practice & Controlled Drugs 2
What is the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) Release 2?