Research and evaluation

A report into the uptake of patient access schemes in the NHS

This article aims to assess the impact of the introduction of patient access schemes for cancer medicines on front-line NHS staff.…

An audit of the completeness and accuracy of allergy-status documentation

This audit aims to assess whether or not the allergy status and the nature of the allergy for patients admitted to Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust were recorded accurately. In addition, to determine if patients with true allergies were wearing a red identification bracelet as r…

Does secondary care impact on primary care prescribing performance?

This article aims to examine the influence of hospital prescribing activity on primary care prescribing activity for statins and for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin-2 receptor antagonists. Data were sourced from IMS Health’s dataset.…

Comparing the use of inhalation anaesthetics

This article aims to examine the use of isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane across hospitals in England and explore whether the data can be compared for benchmarking purposes.…

Getting the right medicine: a survey of haemodialysis patients in SW Scotland

The aim of this study is to reduce the number of medicines discrepancies among haemodialysis patients.…

Using prescribing activity comparators to change medicines use in secondary care

This study aims to effect change in the use of proton pump inhibitors to support NHS West Midlands indicators for prescribing through the use of prescribing indicators. Data were sourced from IMS Health’s dataset.…

Patient information leaflets — impact of European regulations on safe and effective use of medicines

This study aims to assess the impact of European regulations concerning patient information leaflets on the safe and effective use of medicines. Medicines are the most common intervention in health care, and their safe and effective use depends on a number of factors.…

A novel, pharmacist-led strategy to reduce the prescribing of benzodiazepines in Paisley

To establish and assess a novel strategy to reduce prescribing of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, when used short-term, can be rapidly effective and relatively safe in a number of therapeutic areas. However, the long-term prescribing of these drugs is widespread.…

What are UK schools of pharmacy providing for undergraduates with disabilities?

To collect national data on disabled pharmacy students and on formal procedures and reasonable adjustments made for these students, in order to raise the profile of disability within the pharmacy profession.…

The frequency of anxiety and depression in purchasers of over-the-counter sleep aids

To find out whether individuals treating themselves with OTC sleep aids suffered symptoms of anxiety and depression, and whether they were willing to accept onward referral. Many people in the community have anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances but relatively few seek medical advice, and those…