SalfordOnline

The Salford Mental Health Development Board said that they had spoken to lots of people who were concerned that after receiving the same medication for a long time, they then received medication that looked different.

This confused people and made them worried.When this was reported back to the Mental Health Partnership Board they asked for a Task and Finish Group to look at how to support people
with their worries. The group’s remit was widened to include people (and carers) who were taking any type of medication, not just people who were taking medication for mental health problems.

Salford University has carried out research around older people’s perceptions of changes in the appearances of medications due to generic prescribing. Discussions with the Task Group reported similar issues.

The Task and Finish Group put together a report with three main suggestions:

• Raise awareness about changes to medication and create an ‘expectation that the medication may change’.

• Tell people how they can get support with their medication and that it is OK to ask if you are unsure.

• Use a range of communication methods and channels to support people to know about medication changes.

The Task and Finish Group have been working with the Pharmacy service to explore how to take these recommendations forward. Based on the suggestions of the group an Action Plan is being developed.

This is still in its early stages. This Action Plan will look at how to meet the suggestions from the report. If you would like a copy of the report or you want to get involved, please contact Clare Mayo, User Development Worker for Mental Health on 0161 793 3832.

Source: Salford Community Health and Care.