FAQ
What is the dm+d?
The dm+d is the Dictionary of Medicines and Devices, this will support key dispensing processes and automated systems.
How will this help pharmacists?
The dm+d will uniquely identify specific medicines or devices used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Is this the standard for the NHS?
The dm+d will become the standard used by the NHS for the identification of medicines enabling diverse clinical systems to exchange information safely and reliably.
How will this improve what I do as a pharmacist?
Electronic prescribing and dispensing systems have a vital part to play in reducing medication errors and transcription errors by providing clear, unambiguous, timely information. Improving patient safety is at the heart of the dm+d initiative and the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has emphasised the importance of designing solutions that prevent harm.
Why will this effect me?
As community pharmacists become more involved in prescribing and the management of ailments, they will need to access and update patient information and medication histories. The dm+d will be central to this, giving a unique code for each drug or device plus a text description.
What benefits are there?
The dm+d is designed to be the industry standard and central to the exchange of information between healthcare systems. Providing a unique identifier for each drug will reduce medication errors and transcription errors by providing clear, unambiguous, timely information.
When will access to the dm+d be available?
Once you have run the LINKEvolution V9 update on your system you can access the dm+d database.
Does the dm+d supply additional drug information?
Products will be displayed as Name, strength, modification (when present), presentation and 'freeness' for example -(when present e.g. sugar free, gluten free). E.g. Aciclovir 400mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free.
