STEP 1 – The Basics of a Competent Dispenser 

This module is designed to give delegates who are new or inexperienced an insight of basic essentials for dispensing encouraging development and confidence within their role.  

Amongst the topics covered are: Brief Introduction to Dispensary Services Quality Scheme (DSQS), Dispensing knowledge, Dispensary Organisation., Dispensing Prescriptions and Starting out with the Drug Tariff – Endorsing and Reimbursement.

STEP 2 - The Drug Tariff & Endorsing 

An essential course aimed at new, inexperienced or experience dispensers and GPs who want to learn the essentials of the Drug Tariff and Endorsing including reducing errors, losses and returned prescriptions 

Amongst the topics covered are; What is the Drug Tariff and why do we have it   Understanding the different categories   What is the vital information in the Drug Tariff and how to use it   Why do we endorse   The life of a prescription   The importance of correct prescribing and endorsing   How to reduce errors and losses   When should we endorse and when shouldn’t we?   Endorsing to claim maximum income   Endorsing (practical exercise)   End of the Month Tasks

STEP 3 – Risk Management and Safety in the Dispensary 

This course provides delegates with an understanding of working practices, following procedures in the work place, responsibility in relation to the Health & Safety in the dispensary and other good practice and probity concerning legislation.  Delegates will learn how to ensure safe working practices to control risks when using equipment, materials and products that may cause accident or injury and procedures for incident reporting, management of risks, SOPs and dispensary audits. 

Amongst the topics covered are; Identifying potential hazards and risks and reducing them   Medicines Act 1968   The Poisons Act 1972   The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971   Safe Working Practices   Health and Safety Act 1999   Knowing your responsibilities   Controlling risks   Risks, Accidents and Incident Reporting   Personal Hygiene and Protective Clothing   The Chemicals Regulations 2002   Dispensary and Medical Audits   Risk Management and SOPs

STEP 4 – The Competent Dispenser 

This course is aimed at dispensing staff wishing to gain a better understanding of how the dispensary works and their role within it. Amongst the topics discussed; delegates will leave at the end of the day with a clearer understanding of drug budgets   the importance of profitability   the British National Formulary (BNF) and the Drug Tariff. In addition to improving self confidence and working efficiency the course will also provide a valuable background for future professional development.  The course is run interactively enabling delegates to exchange views and ideas thus helping them gain confidence in their work in the Dispensary.

STEP 5 – Customer Service for Dispensary Staff 

The course will provide dispensers with the knowledge and ability to identify their different customer types, understand their customer needs, dealing with difficult customers or those that have special needs or requirements.  Dispensers will also learn the basics of good communication skills and a clear understanding of their role, responsibilities and teamwork.

Management Courses 

Business Management of a Dispensary 

This essential management course is aimed at those key personnel who want to progress their development and ensure that they have acquired the skills necessary for managing your dispensary. 

Amongst the topics covered are; Stock management   Dispensary Service Quality Scheme   Why and when to order little and often   Ethics and Law   Dispensary profit – what you need to know   Bonus schemes   Negotiating with Pharmaceutical Reps   Why have a formulary and how to manage it   Ensuring best practice   Future changes that could affect Dispensing Doctors

Personnel Management 

An essential course aimed at the Management Team within the practice, which will provide delegates with the tools to manage their personnel, motivate and develop their team.  Also an overview on personnel legislation, law and good practice.

How to Interpret PACT Data 

Understanding and interpreting PACT data is a vital process for improving prescribing savings whilst maintaining, in the case of dispensing practice, dispensary income.  With the increased pressure PCOs are placing upon your prescribing decisions, being able to monitor and audit your prescribing choices is essential.  Remember PACT data is the most accurate and up to date indicator of your prescribing habits. 

Amongst the topics covered are; Practice Prescribing Costs   Your top 20 drugs and where you can save and improve   Prescribing by BNF Therapeutic Groups   Top 40 Sections by cost   Understanding your list size and PA Items   PACT and formulary development/analysis   ePACT

Other Courses 

Receptionists in the Dispensary 

The aim of this course is to provide Receptionists, working occasionally in the Dispensary, with sufficient knowledge and understanding of Dispensing to work efficiently within Practice guidelines in the Dispensary.  

Amongst the topics covered are; Definitions and terminology associated with dispensing   FP10s – their purpose and importance to a dispensing practice   Best practice in the dispensing process   Controlled Drugs   Standard Operating Procedures

Disease and Medicines Management 

This course is aimed at all dispensary staff and ‘receptionists in the dispensary’ who wish to gain a basic understanding of some of the more commonly prescribed medicines and provide dispensers with confidence when carrying out DRUMs. 

Staff will become efficient at referring to the BNF and its appendices. The course is run interactively as two sessions. Part 1 covers drugs for the Gastrointestinal system, The Respiratory System, The Cardiovascular System and briefly on The Central nervous System. Part 2 covers The Endocrine System ;steroids, diabetes and HRT and infection.

Controlled Drugs Workshop 

The purpose of this course is to provide delegates with detailed up to date information on the legislation covering controlled drugs, how it affects the work of dispensing and prescribing practices, examples of good practice and guidance on writing of SOPs for controlled drugs.  

It is aimed at; experienced dispensers to ensure, and re-assure, that that they are complying with the requirements of the law, providing grounding for new dispensers on controlled drugs law, practice managers to keep them abreast of the controlled drugs law and any planned changes.  There is also the opportunity for attendees to share experiences and discuss common problems and issues.