Article: Anticipatory prescribing in community end of life care in the UK and Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online survey

This is an update to a survey carried out amongst adult hospices, following changes to prescribing guidelines and practice reported during the COVID-10 pandemic.  An online survey was distributed to members of the Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland.  261 replied were received in April 2020 from clinicians in community, hospice and hospital settings.  A number of changes were noted including route of administration; drugs prescribed; total quantities prescribed; and doses and ranges.  Recommendations for regulatory changes to permit drug repurposing and easier community access were made.

Antunes, B. et al. 2020.  Anticipatory prescribing in community end of life care in the UK and Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online survey.  BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, 10 (3) p 343-349.

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Article: Barriers to prescribing cannabis-based medicines

An article providing a good overview of the cannabis based products available to prescribe. It includes the products, licensing information, indication, controlled drug status and who can prescribe them.  It includes areas to be cautious of, barriers to prescribing and refers to the new NICE guidance expected later this month.

Dowden, A. 2019.  Barriers to prescribing cannabis-based medicines.  Prescriber, July issue, p17 - 21.

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Article: How to use the BNF and BNF for Children App

This article has been produced by the BNF team to help familiarize users with the new app, launched in July 2017.  It uses a case study to illustrate the app's functionality, as well as an introduction to the interface and how it can be used by prescribers, pharmacists and healthcare professionals.

McSherry C. & Prashar, P. 2017.  How to use the BNF and BNF for Children App.  The Pharmaceutical Journal, July 2017 (online version)

For a copy of the article please fill out the online request form

Article: Off-label drug use without evidence makes for a difficult decision-making process: a case study

The off-label use of drugs in the UK is relatively common in palliative care, in part because a drug's original marketing authorisation hasn't allowed for new routes and emerging novel indications for use.  This case study explains the difficulties faced in complying with the wishes of a dying patient admitted to an adult hospice.

Freshwater, E., et al. 2017. Off-label drug use without evidence makes for a difficult decision-making process: a case study.  European Journal of Palliative Care. 24 (6) p 274-276.

For a copy of the article please fill out the online request form

[Book] Nurses - Test yourself in non medical prescribing

Written by two lecturers from UK Universities, the book is a useful source for those studying a prescribing qualification and preparing for exams.  It includes over 450 questions with full answers and explanations, and full glossary of terms.

Harris, N. & Shearer, 2015.  Nurses! Test yourself in non-medical prescribing. Open University Press.

Available for loan from the library

 

Article: Independent non-medical prescribing in children's hospices in the UK: a practice snapshot

This article aimed to identify non-medical prescribing in children's hospices, focusing on the perceived benefits and challenges. Internet based questionnaires were sent to 55 hospice services, with 20 responses, identifying a total of 39 non medical prescribers (NMPs).  Perceived benefits included timely access to medicines, increased efficiency and accuracy in the admission process and medicine reconciliation, and improved symptom control. Perceived barriers were confidence, particularly due to the wide range of conditions and ages.  The study showed NMPs are making a significant contribution to the prescribing workforce within hospices but a number of challenges need to be addressed.

Tatterton, M. 2017.  Independent non-medical prescribing in children's hospices in the UK: a practice snapshot.  International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 23 (8) p 386 - 391.

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[Article] Using the British National Formulary effectively

Recent changes to the structure of the BNF have resulted in new symbols, additional sections in drug monographs and a reduction in the amount of cross referencing. This articles explores how healthcare staff can access the information in the BNF to ensure medicine use is optimised, and adverse drug reactions and drug interactions are minimised.

Bellerby, A. & Needham D. 2016.  Using the BNF effectively.  Nursing Standard, 31 (4) p 56 - 60.

To request a copy, click here fill in form and return to library.

[Article] Codeine in paediatrics: pharmacology, prescribing and controversies

Codeine is a drug that until recently was widely used in children.  It was endorsed by the WHO as the 2nd step on the analgesic ladder for cancer pain.  Recently it's safety and efficacy have been called into question.  This article discusses the pharmacology underpinning it's action in children, how this relates to prescribing as well as the practical issues and the most recent regulatory framework surrounding it's use.

Andrzejowski, P. & Carroll.  2016.  Codeine in paediatrics: pharmacology, prescribing and controversies.  Archives of Disea51se in Childhood. 101 p 148 - 150
To request a copy, fill out this form and return to the library

[Article] What are the indications for probiotics in children?

This review aims to summarise the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of specific probiotics and help healthcare professionals make evidence based decisions on the indications for using specific probiotics in children.

Szajewsk, H. 2016. What are the indications for using probiotics in children?  Archives of Disease in Childhood, 101 (4) p 398-403.

To request a copy, click here fill in form and return to library.

[Article] Switching between different types of opioid analgesic

An overview of prescribing the same opioid by a different route of administration, and in addition, conversion of common oral opioids to an equi-analgesic dose of oral morphine.  Includes tables, conversion calculations and examples.

Eggleton, A. 2015.  Switching between different types of opioid analgesic.  Nurse Prescribing, 14 (1) p 14-50. 

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[Article] Medicine doses in children: it's not child's play

Paediatrics is a complex clinical specialty, ranging from newborns to 18 year olds in which all patients require different doses.  Prescribers need to be aware of the pharmacokinetic differences between children and adults and how to effectively use unlicenced medicines.  A useful article for all nurse prescribers.

Tomlin, S. 2015.  Medicine doses in children: it's not child's play.  Nurse Prescribing, 13 (7) p 352-356.

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[Article] Analysis of drug interactions at the end of life

As death approaches, patients are at their most frail, but an increasing symptom burden often necessitates  an increase in medications.  This study used case notes from 266 adult patients referred to specialist palliative care.  The study found that the mean number of medications prescribed was 10.8 with 72% of patients at risk of one or more drug interaction.  The authors conclude some drug interactions may be recognised as an acceptable risk, but more research is required to improve recognition of potential drug interactions and the rates of morbidity or associated mortality associated with this. Greater use of computerised prescribing software and closer liaison with clincal pharmacists is recommended.

Morgan, N. A., Rowett, D. & Currow, D. 2015.  Analysis of drug interactions at the end of life.  BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care.  5 (3) p 281-286.

To request a copy, click here fill in form and return to library.

[Article] Nurse prescribing: antiemetics and extrapyramadil effects

Nausea and vomiting in specialist palliative care are common, distressing and debilitating symptoms, and increase in prevalence as disease progresses.  Pharmacological treatment of these symptoms can produce undesirable extrapyramidal effects that mimic symptoms such as Parkinson's disease, depression and anxiety.  This article reviews the common causes of nausea and vomiting, and the antiemetic drugs and receptors they antagonise, and the associated side effects with this.

Hickson, D. 2015.  Antiemetics and extrapyramidal effects: prescribing considerations.  Nurse Prescribing, 13 (4) p 186 - 188

You can request this article from the library or download yourself using your Athens username and password. To request a copy from the library click here fill in form and return to the library.

[Book] Oxford handbook of prescribing for nurses and allied health professionals

Containing the practical principles nurses and other non-medical prescribers need to practice safely, effectively and cost-consciously, whatever the situation.  Evidence-based advice on a wide selection of sbujects provides a complete picture of the role of the prescriber.  This new edition features the most recent legislation and changes to prescrbing standards.  There is also an additional content on complementary and alternative medicines.

Beckwith, S. & Franklin, P. 2011.  Oxford handbook of prescribing for nurses and allied health professionals. Oxford University Press.

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[Article] News and updates from palliativedrugs.com

Provides a selection of items that have featured in the News and Latest additions sections in recent months in Palliativedrugs.com. 

Wilcock, A. & Charlesworth, S. 2014.  News and updates from palliativedrugs.com.  BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, 4 (4) p 326-327.

To request a copy, click here, fill in form and return to library.

[Article] It's not just about pain: symptom management in palliative care

This article shifts the focus of symptom management in palliative care from pain to four common symptoms at end of life: nausea and vomiting, dyspnoea, respiratory secretions - "death rattle" and agitation, restlessness and delirium.  Principles of prescribing, holistic assessment and communication, together with some pharmacology strategies are discussed.

Nunn, C. 2014. It's not just about pain: symptom management in palliative care.  Nurse Prescribing 12 (7) p 338-344

To request a copy, click here, fill in form and return to library.