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The various articles on prescribing in the current edition of the BMJ omit any mention of another important factor in the taking of prescribed drugs – the carer. The majority of patients on long term medication for a chronic condition will have a family member providing care – and this usually involves maintaining drug regimes for the person they care for.
As well as informing the patient about which drugs should be taken, when and why, perhaps the medical profession should also consider sharing this information (confidentiality agreements permitting) with their patient’s carer. If they, too, have a better understanding of the medications, they can enhance their vital role in supporting the practitioner and medical team in the management of the illness or condition.
Carers are already performing this role – let’s support them so they can do it properly.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests:
No competing interests
10 October 2003
Neil O Traynor
Health Liaison Worker
Princess Royal Trust Salford Carers Centre, M3 6FA
A themed issue of the BMJ on concordance is applauded. The omission
is that prescribing rights have now been extended to other professional
groups within the UK such as nurses and pharmacists. Supplementary
prescribing potentially includes the whole of the BNF and beyond. I agree
with the views of Iona Heath that the concept of concordance is
fundamentally flawed because of the power imbalances between health
professionals and patients. Any future research into the subject, however
has to take account the impact of prescribing by other professional groups
and how patients and clients will view these new roles in relation to the
conditions being treated. This will add to the global picture of
concordance.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests:
No competing interests
10 October 2003
marion a waite
senior lecturer nurse prescribing
First Flor Sandringham House Heritage GateSandy lane west Oxford OX4 6LB
Prescribing - the wider picture
The various articles on prescribing in the current edition of the BMJ omit any mention of another important factor in the taking of prescribed drugs – the carer. The majority of patients on long term medication for a chronic condition will have a family member providing care – and this usually involves maintaining drug regimes for the person they care for.
As well as informing the patient about which drugs should be taken, when and why, perhaps the medical profession should also consider sharing this information (confidentiality agreements permitting) with their patient’s carer. If they, too, have a better understanding of the medications, they can enhance their vital role in supporting the practitioner and medical team in the management of the illness or condition.
Carers are already performing this role – let’s support them so they can do it properly.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests