NHS repeat dispensing

Question 1

Repeat prescriptions account for about what percentage of all items on prescriptions?

Answer 1

66%

Question 2

What are the benefits of repeat dispensing?

Answer 2

• Convenient
• Reduces workload + time
• Enhances role of pharmacist
• Reduces waste of med

Question 3

What are the two different repeat prescriptions?

Answer 3

• Repeatable prescription

- Batch prescription

Question 4

Repeatable prescription

Answer 4

• Legal/clinical authority (signed by doctor)
• 1 needed per batch
• RA on Rx - repeat authorisation

Question 5

Batch prescription

Answer 5

• More than one
• RD on Rx - repeat dispensing
• ‘invoice for payment’

Question 6

Which form are repeat dispensing Rx printed on?

Answer 6

FP10

Question 7

Which patients are suitable for repeat dispensing?

Answer 7

• Long term conditions w/ stable medication

- Same regular pharmacy

Question 8

Which patients are not suitable for repeat dispensing?

Answer 8

• Newly diagnosed
• Acute medicines
• Unstable medical conditions

Question 9

Which medicines cannot be included?

Answer 9

• Controlled drugs - sched 2 + 3
• ‘When required’ med
• Non-oral med

Question 10

What must occur before repeat dispensing starts?

Answer 10

Regular medicines should be synchronised

Question 11

How does it work in GP practice?

Answer 11

• Staff generate batch of repeat prescriptions
• Upto 12 months worth can be issued
• One RA issued + signed by GP
• RD issued

Question 12

A repeat prescription must be dispensed for the first time within how many months of the date on the form?

Answer 12

w/in 6 months

Question 13

CD sch 4 must be dispensed for the first time w/in how many days?

Answer 13

28 days

Question 14

All Rx must be dispensed w/in how many months of the date on the repeatable RX?

Answer 14

W/in 12 months

Question 15

Can a batch be dispensed at a pharmacy that doesn’t hold the repeatable authorisation prescription?

Answer 15

No

Question 16

Which questions should be asked before dispensing each batch?

Answer 16

• Using med appropriately
• Side effects
• Changes to condition
• Taking new med
• Any they don’t need
• Inform date for next collection

Question 17

What happens when the last batch is dispensed?

Answer 17

• Inform that this is their last issue
• Patient need to contact surgery
• Good practice to give written reminder this is their last batch

Question 18

What are the common problems of repeat dispensing?

Answer 18

• PRN med - should not be added to regular Rx
• New medicines
• Med which are discontinued
• Patients admitted to hospital resulting in changes to med

Question 19

When should a batch Rx (RD) be submitted to the NHSBSA?

Answer 19

Each batch Rx submitted at the end of the month

Question 20

When should the authorising repeatable Rx (RA) be submitted to the NHSBSA?

Answer 20

• When all the batch Rx have been dispensed
• Remaining batches have been destroyed
• RA has expired