6.2. Describe the approved national sources of information about medication

This guide will help you answer 6.2. Describe the approved national sources of information about medication.

Understanding approved national sources of information about medication is crucial for health and social care professionals. Accessing reliable resources ensures medication is safely administered, reducing the risk of errors and promoting the well-being of individuals. National sources in the UK provide accurate, evidence-based, and up-to-date information about medicines.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

NICE provides guidance, standards, and advice on a wide range of health and social care topics. It is a trusted resource for accessing medication information. Their website includes:

• Evidence-based guidelines on how certain medicines should be used.
• Information on the safety profiles of medications and their side effects.
• Details about drug cost-effectiveness and recommendations for prescribing.

NICE supports healthcare professionals by ensuring the information aligns with current research. This helps in providing safe and effective treatment plans for patients.

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

The MHRA is a government organisation responsible for the regulation of medicines, medical devices, and blood products in the UK. It plays a critical role in providing accurate and approved medication information. The MHRA offers the following:

• The Yellow Card Scheme – This allows healthcare professionals and the public to report adverse drug reactions or safety concerns. These reports help improve medication safety.
• Updates on drug safety alerts, recalls, and regulatory decisions.
• Access to Public Assessment Reports, which detail the approval process of new drugs.

Their resources are available online, making it accessible for reviewing critical medication information.

British National Formulary (BNF)

The BNF is one of the most widely used resources for medication information in the UK. It is a book and digital resource that provides comprehensive details about medicines. The BNF offers the following:

• Information on drug dosages, indications, contraindications, and adverse reactions.
• Guidance on drug interactions and precautions to take during treatment.
• Advice on how medications should be administered, including routes (such as oral, intramuscular, or intravenous).

The BNF is updated regularly, ensuring that its content reflects current medical practices and guidelines.

Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC)

The eMC provides reliable and up-to-date information on thousands of medicines licensed for use in the UK. It is a free resource available online and includes Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) and Summaries of Product Characteristics (SPCs). These documents contain:

• Detailed descriptions of how a medication works.
• Instructions for its safe use, including dosing and storage.
• Information on who the medication is suitable for, and who may need to avoid it (such as certain age groups or people with specific health conditions).

Both healthcare professionals and the public can use the eMC to learn about medications.

Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS)

The RPS is a professional membership body for pharmacists. They also provide resources and guidance on medication. Their focus is on supporting pharmacists and other healthcare workers in delivering safe and effective care. The RPS provides access to:

• Pharmaceutical publications like the Medicines, Ethics and Practice guide.
• Training sessions and webinars about medicines and prescribing.
• Other reliable tools related to the use and safety of drugs.

Their materials are designed to support professional practice and help understand the implications of medication use.

General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

The GPhC regulates pharmacists and pharmacy services across the UK. It ensures that professionals meet the standards required to deliver safe and effective medication-related services. The GPhC provides:

• Resources about professional standards for prescribing and dispensing medications.
• Information on how to report concerns about unsafe practices involving medicines.
• News updates related to pharmacy regulations, including medication laws.

While it primarily oversees professionals’ conduct, its website contains valuable guidance about medicines to support safe practice.

NHS Resources

The NHS provides various reliable sources to support medication-related decisions. These include:

• NHS Inform and NHS Choices: Access points for public-friendly advice on medicines, including side effects, usage, and answers to common questions.
• Prescription Services: Information about prescriptions and explanations of associated costs or exemptions (e.g., for vulnerable groups).
• Medication leaflets and advice available through GP surgeries, pharmacies, and NHS hospitals.

The NHS platforms are regularly updated and written in plain language for easy understanding.

Specialist Organisations and Charities

Various national-level organisations offer guidance on medicines tailored to specific conditions. Examples include:

• Asthma UK – Information about inhalers and other asthma medications.
• Diabetes UK – Guidance on insulin and other treatments for diabetes management.
• Cancer Research UK – Details about chemotherapy drugs and other cancer medications.

These bodies use evidence-based information and collaborate with healthcare organisations. Their resources are particularly helpful for professionals working with individuals with specific conditions.

Training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Providers

Approved CPD providers in the UK also deliver medication-related training and resources. These organisations develop their content based on national guidelines and standards. They provide:

• Online and in-person training sessions about administering and prescribing medicines.
• Resources that explain common medication errors and how to avoid them.
• Knowledge check exercises and assessments to support learning.

Using Reliable Sources

Using approved national resources prevents misinformation about medication. Reliable sources ensure:

• Accurate and updated drug schedules.
• Understanding potential risks and contraindications.
• Guidance on new medicines approved for use.

Professionals protect themselves legally and ethically by sticking to approved resources. They also contribute to safe care practices, ensuring individuals receive appropriate treatment.

How to Access These Sources

Most of these resources are available online for free or through professional memberships. Printed materials like the BNF are usually available in workplaces or libraries. Regular access to these sources can help healthcare workers stay informed.

Final Thoughts

Approved national sources make it easier for professionals in health and social care to access trustworthy medication information. The main sources include:

• NICE – Provides guidelines and reviews on medicines.
• MHRA – Regulates medication and operates the Yellow Card Scheme.
• BNF – Offers detailed information about drugs.
• eMC – Lists approved medicines with PILs and SPCs.
• RPS – Provides professional resources for safe medication use.
• GPhC – Regulates pharmacy practices and offers guidance.
• NHS – Delivers public-friendly medication advice and services.
• Specialist charities – Focused information for specific conditions.

Understanding these resources helps in practising safe and informed care.