Elaine Lewis
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Currently, it is suggested there is significant variation in how medicines are dealt with at the point of admission through to when discharge occurs. It is felt this variation introduces extra work into supply processes and results in waste of resources, coupled with a risk of patient harm through having no common lean approach to medicines supply.
The idea of this project is to scope the patients medicine journey from admission through inpatient to discharge being clear of the requirements, source/supply of the medicines, reducing inefficiencies and waste, alongside mitigating the risk of harm to patients.
The project will also deliver a sustainable strategy for medicines management which is consistent, patient centred and makes optimal use of each profession’s skill set with clear roles and responsibilities from the medicine supply process covering primary and secondary care.
The focus will also be on improving ‘medicines independence’ by patients within a hospital environment in preparation for a safe discharge by supporting them to manage their own medication needs (with appropriate governance and safety) as part of their rehabilitation before discharge.
Aim:
Clear roles and responsibilities from the medicine supply process covering primary and secondary care journeys.
Reduce duplication and waste achieving sustainability targets. Also, focus on medicines independence by patients within a hospital environment in preparation for a safe discharge.
Approach:
A project group is to be established with key stakeholders and project plan to be developed based on a previous project regarding medicine supply and stock management within UHW in conjunction with Swansea University
Anticipated outcomes:
Patients will benefit from medicine independence i.e. reduced reliance on healthcare professionals administering medication (or support in the community setting) and increasing knowledge for patients about their medication.
Nurses will be able to find the right medicine at the right time in the right place and decrease duplication in pharmacy workload.
