Post-discharge NMS and MURs offer community pharmacy the opportunity to become an integral part of the patient’s pathway between secondary and primary care. If they can improve adherence, reduce waste and encourage patient participation in their own care, they will continue to have an important role in supporting medicines optimisation. 

Reflective exercise

• Which hospitals/wards might you need to develop a relationship with in order to receive more referrals for patients with long-term conditions appropriate for a post-discharge NMS consultation?
• What does the pharmacy need to know about a patient’s admission and hospital stay to undertake a discharge MUR?
• What channels of communication are available to you and how could you document referrals securely?