A new competency framework for prescribers has been developed by The Royal Pharmaceutical Society in association with NICE.
The updated Framework can be used by any prescriber at any point in their career. It can also be used by regulators, education providers, professional organisations and specialist groups to inform guidance, education and advice.
NICE said that when prescribed and used effectively ‘medicines can significantly improve health and quality of life’. However, the public body points out that ‘prescribing medicines is becoming increasingly complex as more become available and the number of people with several long-term conditions increases’.
It outlines 10 key prescribing competencies under two areas: the consultation, and prescribing governance. Within these areas, statements describe the activity or outcomes prescribers should be able to demonstrate.
Jonathan Underhill, medicines clinical adviser at NICE’s Medicines and Prescribing Programme, said: ‘It is essential that medicines are prescribed in a way that is safe, efficient and appropriate to the person taking them. Involving the person or carer in that decision is becoming increasingly important and this framework emphasises that.
‘Ultimately, this framework will help support prescribers to achieve the competence required to prescribe medicines in the most optimal way.’
According to the World Health Organization, (2003) between 30% and 50% of medicines prescribed for long-term conditions are not taken as intended.