Jeff
When I worked at IDAS (Island drug and alcohol service) on the Island this
sort of script was generated almost on a daily basis.
We logged this as a critical incident each time it occurred but it was a bug
in the system and as they insisted all drug teams used the same crap
computer software so if other teams are having the same problem Im not at
all surprised.
As nurses, we generated but checked EVERY script, as it happened so often
and the poor doctors who were signing often had hundreds to sign as there
was a system which meant that ALL scripts were generated once a week, and
our visiting consultant only did one session a week, with an odd session
once a week or so from a GPWSI. Sometimes the scripts with errors were not
noticed until they reached the pharmacy, causing massive problems for
everyone.
  Sadly, as it is becoming more fashionable to use non nursing qualified
staff in drug teams, it is becoming apparent that more of these
prescriptions are being generated with errors on them, and probably not
being picked up by the often extinct nurses.
Its no excuse, but I would get the team to log this as a critical incident
in case it is a software problem.
IMHO and FWIW you must bring it to their attention and ask for it to be
looked into.
Jen

 

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-----Original Message-----
From: GP-UK [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jeff Green
Sent: 29 July 2005 19:29
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: What am I supposed to do?

Hi,
Misunderstanding here - script was presented on a Friday evening.
Four of them actually,  in assorted strengths - all for the same patient.
Computer generated OK because the addiction unit doctor has handwriting
exemption.

Whatever morning I replied, it was because the shop had been broken into and
I'd just got home - and I was less than amused at the idea of intimidating
patients being referred on to the pharmacy of their choice to intimidate
someone else. 

The real reason these scripts had been issued was that the one for Friday
had been given a quantity to dispense of three (to cover Saturday ad
Sunday), but Saturdays and Sundays had been printed, dated Friday (and
signed) anyway - but with a computer generated quantity of 0.

Had the scripts been presented to me without me being aware of Fridays
script for 3 - I'm not sure what I would have done. Probably I would have
supervised the one daily of each strength prescribed on the basis that it
would probably do less harm to a patient that wasn't supposed to have any
than a weekend without would do to a patient that was supposed to be
undergoing treatment.

Would it be out of order for me to suggest that this is an unacceptable way
for an addiction unit to prescribe?

Jeff

Fay,
>Yes if you are a licensed CD prescriber. This can include GPs (one of my 
>partners)
I always thought handwriting exemption applied to individuals not practices
- but do correct me if I'm wrong.

Jeff


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