NMS myth busting series (#1)
This is the first of a series of articles to tackle some of the misconceptions around the New Medicine Service (NMS). The articles will cover a variety of aspects of NMS and aims to myth bust, to increase understanding of the service.
Myth: The Patient engagement stage and Intervention consultation can be provided at the same time, e.g. I can phone the patient, tell them about the service and recruit them for an NMS (Stage 1, Patient engagement) and provide the Intervention consultation (Stage 2) at the same time.
Wrong! The Intervention consultation should be undertaken between a minimum of 7 days and up to a maximum of 14 days after patient engagement. Normally, patient engagement should take place at the time the patient collects or receives their prescription for the new medicine.
Myth: I can provide NMS consultations using text-based communication methods.
Wrong! Consultations must be provided in person, face-to-face or remotely, i.e. via telephone or another live audio link or a live video link.
Text-based communication methods must only be used to support, and not replace, in-person face-to-face or remote, i.e. via telephone or another live audio link or a live video link, consultations undertaken as part of this service.
Myth: Pharmacy technicians can provide the NMS Intervention and Follow up stages.
Wrong! The NMS Intervention and Follow up stages must be provided by a pharmacist who has self-declared that they have the skills and knowledge to do so. However, the pharmacy can make good use of skill mix by allowing support staff to book appointments, prepare copies of forms, and transcribing details of the consultations where these are later entered into electronic records.
