Services Database Not Dispensed Scheme (Sheffield)

The aims and intended service outcomes are to:

• reduce the number of unwanted medicines dispensed by not dispensing items not required by the patient;
• notify the prescriber when an item prescribed has not been dispensed;
• promote, support and encourage good prescribing practices;
• highlight over usage of medicines to GPs;
• reduce unnecessary prescribing costs; and
• note whether the non-supply would be clinically significant.

The main aspects of the service involve the pharmacist:

• reviewing each prescription not in a repeat dispensing scheme;
• discussing the prescribed medicine with the patient, or their authorised representatives to identify any item that is not required;
• crossing the item(s) through and clearly endorse them on the prescription ‘ND’ or ‘Not Dispensed’ in a manner agreed with the NHS Business Service Authority;
• notifying the GP of any item(s) not dispensed within two working days using the Not Dispensed Intervention Form; and
• notifying the prescriber by fax of any item which is a Special on the same day, using the Information to Prescriber Form.

There are no specific training requirements for pharmacists; however, pharmacists should ensure that they are familiar with the scheme and any support staff be made aware of the scheme and signed off as competent to participate in the scheme.