BNF Prescribing Checklist Flashcards
(20 cards)
What patient details should be confirmed?
Full name, age, weight (if needed), allergies (e.g., penicillin, NSAIDs), relevant medical history, current medications.
What is the first step in identifying the clinical problem?
Diagnosis or working diagnosis.
What should be considered in drug selection?
First-line choice (based on guidelines/BNF), alternatives if contraindicated/allergy, check if drug is licensed and within your scope, and if it is formulary-approved locally.
What factors are important for dose, route, and frequency?
Age/weight/disease-adjusted dose, correct route (PO, IV, inhaled, etc.), duration clearly defined, loading dose if needed.
What safety checks should be performed?
Drug interactions (BNF interaction checker), cautions/contraindications noted, renal/hepatic impairment adjustments, pregnancy/lactation suitability.
What are the monitoring requirements?
Baseline tests (e.g., LFTs, U&Es, INR), ongoing monitoring plan if needed, side effects the patient should report.
What patient information should be provided?
Clear explanation of reason for medication, how to take it (timing, food, posture, etc.), side effects and what to do if they occur, written or verbal patient information provided.
What legal/professional considerations must be met?
Signed and dated correctly, prescribing within professional and legal remit, documentation clear, legible, and complete, record kept in patient notes (paper or EMR).
What are the patient details to confirm?
Full name, age, weight (if needed), allergies (e.g., penicillin, NSAIDs), relevant medical history, current medications.
What should be identified regarding the clinical problem?
Diagnosis or working diagnosis and evidence-based indication for treatment.
What factors are considered in drug selection?
First-line choice (based on guidelines/BNF), alternatives if contraindicated/allergy, check if drug is licensed and within your scope, and if it is formulary-approved locally.
What should be defined regarding dose, route, and frequency?
Age/weight/disease-adjusted dose, correct route (PO, IV, inhaled, etc.), duration clearly defined, and loading dose if needed.
What safety checks should be performed?
Drug interactions (BNF interaction checker), cautions/contraindications noted, renal/hepatic impairment adjustments, and pregnancy/lactation suitability.
What are the monitoring requirements?
Baseline tests (e.g., LFTs, U&Es, INR), ongoing monitoring plan if needed, and side effects the patient should report.
What patient information should be provided?
Clear explanation of reason for medication, how to take it (timing, food, posture, etc.), side effects and what to do if they occur, and written or verbal patient information provided.
What legal/professional considerations must be followed?
Signed and dated correctly, prescribing within professional and legal remit, documentation clear, legible, and complete, and record kept in patient notes (paper or EMR).
What special populations need consideration?
Elderly (increased sensitivity, renal function considerations), children (age-specific formulations and dosing), pregnant or breastfeeding women (safety profile, BNF flags), and patients with comorbidities (polypharmacy risks).
What is required for off-label and unlicensed use?
Clearly documented clinical justification, evidence-based rationale recorded, informed patient consent obtained, and professional indemnity confirmed.
What is involved in antimicrobial stewardship?
Use of local/national guidelines (e.g., NICE, MicroGuide), reviewing necessity and duration of antibiotic therapy, safety netting advice given to patient, and delayed prescription strategy considered if appropriate.
What should be included in the review and follow-up?
Review plan and timeframe documented, monitoring for efficacy and adverse effects, patient contact method for follow-up explained, and plan for escalation or referral if no improvement.
