Supervised consumption

 

Supervised consumption is a locally enhanced service and the full service description is available on the PSNC website. In order to fulfill the contract, the pharmacist must ensure that the dose of opioid substitute has been administered to the patient and provide "take-home" doses when the pharmacy is closed, such as weekends and Bank holidays. This may involve speaking to the patient afterwards or offering them a glass of water to ensure the dose has been swallowed.

 

The pharmacist should provide a non-judgemental, user friendly, client centred and confidential service. The aim is to ensure that the patient is compliant with the regime, receives an accurate dose and that the opioid substitute does not make it on to the black market. The pharmacist can become accredited to supervise administration by completing a CPPE course.