Table 3 The extent to which NMP leads report safety and clinical governance systems are in place

n

%

n

%

1. Is there a system in place for ordering and distribution of the BNF, the NPF for Community Practitioners and the Drug Tariff? (n = 27)

27

100

0

0

2. Do you monitor NMP legislation and ensure that policies are updated in line with the revised legislation? (n = 26)

25

96.2

1

3.8

3. Do mechanisms exist to ensure all NMPs are kept informed of relevant clinical information, e.g. Patient Safety Notices, Drug Alerts and Hazard Warnings? (n = 27)

25

92.6

2

7.4

4. Is there an up-to-date NMP policy in place? (n = 27)

24

88.8

3

11.2

5. Is there is a mechanism in place to ensure the selection of suitable candidates for NMP training? (n = 27)

24

88.8

3

11.2

6. Is there a system in place for the acquisition and retention of specimen signatures to identify prescribers? (n = 27)

23

85.2

4

14.8

7. Are NMPs receiving appropriate support or supervision in their prescribing role (e.g. local clinical supervision groups/learning sets or peer-support groups)? (n = 27)

22

81.5

5

18.5

8. Do NMPs have an agreed scope of practice or equivalent and is a copy of this retained by the organisation? (n = 26)

21

80.8

5

19.2

9. Do NMPs identify and fulfil continuing professional development needs relevant to their clinical work? (n = 25)

20

80.0

5

20.0

10. Are systems for monitoring prescribing (e.g. PACT data) in place in all sectors of practice? (n = 27)

18

66.7

9

33.3

11. Are NMPs involved in the development of local formularies and guidelines e.g. drug and therapeutic committee? (n = 26)

17

65.4

9

34.6

12. Do NMPs participate in regular clinical audit and reviews of their clinical services? (n = 23)

15

65.2

8

34.8

13. Do practitioners in all areas of practice have access to monitoring data? (n = 27)

14

51.9

13

41.8