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Interface incidents

Historically, a number of systems have existed across the Pan Mersey area to collect and share interface problems related to medicines with a view to reducing common problems. The Pan Mersey APC safety sub-group has created a single form and logging system for this purpose for use within the Pan Mersey area.

What are interface issues?

An interface issues is any event that may cause a problem in the management of medicines between different organisations:

  • Prescribing not in line with Pan Mersey policies or formulary
  • Inappropriate request for shared care
  • Request for an unlicensed medicine
  • Request for vaccine outside of guidance
  • Inaccurate medication record
  • Summary Care Record not up to date
  • Illegible or ambiguous information relating to prescribing
  • Lack of discharge or reconciliation information
  • Lack of referral to NHS Community Services for follow up or on-going treatment
  • Incorrect medication
  • Inappropriate changes to medication
  • Medicines waste that could be avoided
  • Incomplete medication - items unknowingly omitted
  • Insufficient medication - items knowingly owed

Purpose of the Interface Log

The interface incident form is purely for logging an issue after the event. The issue must first be highlighted with the relevant organisation and any appropriate action required to maintain safe ongoing patient treatment should be dealt with at the time. Any applicable internal incident policies should also be followed.

The information collected is used highlight medicines interface problems, collate common issues and support collaboration towards improvement. The interface log is not for dealing with unresolved individual problems.

How to use the form

One form should be completed for each individual issue. No patient identifiable information should be included on the form.

Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit (MLCSU) will support the process and receive, review and collate any information. Reports will be prepared regularly identifying any trends in interface issues to support learning within organisations and to help prioritise work for the sub-groups of the area prescribing committee.