Dispensing Practice & Controlled Drugs Flashcards

What is the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) Release 2?

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.

A patient's dispensing label should include which information as a minimum?

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.

What is a 'owing slip' in dispensing?

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.

Which body administers the NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) Prescription Pricing Division?

Answer: NHS BSA

The NHS BSA Prescription Pricing Division processes NHS prescription claims from dispensing contractors, calculates reimbursements, and monitors dispensing activity nationally.

A patient presents with a prescription for diazepam 10 mg tablets, 56 tablets. What consideration applies?

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.

What is the purpose of a 'clinical check' performed by a pharmacist during dispensing?

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.