The PDA has been informed of some members feeling pressurised to undertake SMRs when they lack the required training and skills. Other members have been asked to reduce the time they spend on SMRs to a level that renders the review ineffectual and possibly pointless.
Some of the key points of this advisory note are:
- SMRs should not be routinely booked as 15-minute appointments
- Only suitably trained and experienced pharmacists should be undertaking SMRs
- If patients are on complex combinations of medicines and deprescribing and dose modification is taking place, a series of appointments will be required to allow the monitoring of the effects of any changes made.
The PDA strongly recommends that members take the time to read the entire guidance. Members are also encouraged to get in touch with the PDA about any concerns regarding the SMR processes at their workplace.
Read the advisory note
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