Controlled drugs are substances that are regulated by the government. There are so many reasons why it’s important to handle all controlled drugs correctly. First and foremost, controlled drugs are a valuable resource. They should be used to treat patients who genuinely need them. They should not be wasted, made counterfeit, or sold illegally.
Along with knowing those regulations, it’s ideal to understand how to handle controlled drugs in England. Here are a few tips to remember:
1) Have the Proper Drugs Storage
Pharmacies must have a secure place to store their controlled drugs, so it’s recommended to have a pharmacy cabinet that’s specific for keeping controlled drugs. This area should be locked at all times. The door should only be opened when someone needs to access the drugs. Keep track of who enters and leaves the room as well.
2) Run a Controlled Drug Register
It’s important to keep a controlled drug register. This is a specific form that is used to record when you receive and dispense controlled drugs. This form will include the name of the patient, the amount of the drug being issued, the date, the time and the signature of the pharmacist who dispensed the medication.
3) Do Stock Checks Regularly
Pharmacies need to do stock checks regularly to make sure that their inventory of controlled drugs is up to date. This includes a physical inspection of the medicines as well as a review of the records. They should be done regularly, at least once a week. If you notice that there are discrepancies, you should report this to your local law enforcement immediately.
4) Optimise Doctor’s Bags for GPs
There are times when GPs need to access and administer medication quickly and easily. This means that they need to be stored in an optimised doctor’s bag. This bag should have a dedicated space for controlled drugs and should be kept locked at all times. The bag should also be easy to identify, labelled with the name of the GP and the practice, along with the drug names.
5) Keep Things Locked At All Times
All cabinets, safes, and drawers where controlled drugs are stored should be locked at all times. This includes when they are not in use. The same goes for electronic records. They should be password protected and only accessible by authorised personnel.
6) Come Up with a Practice System and SOP
All staff members who are authorised to access controlled drugs should be trained in the correct procedures. These should be detailed in a standard operating procedure (SOP) and be regularly reviewed and updated.
7) Ensure Proper Disposal of Expired Drugs
All controlled drugs should be properly disposed of once they have expired. There are specific procedures that must be followed in order to ensure that these drugs are not accidentally ingested or mishandled.
Conclusion
It is evident that the importance of handling all controlled drugs in England is of great importance. The process of handling these drugs is carefully monitored in order to ensure that they are used correctly and safely.
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