Appendix 1

Abbreviations and terms used in this book

Introduction

As different countries both inside and outside the UK have different health services and different pharmacy structures, we wanted to use some general terms which you can then use to identify the relevant organization in your country.

We have also used some common abbreviations throughout this book.

General terms

The regulator or regulating body

This is the organization in your country or state, which recognizes your training qualifications and authorizes you to practice, e.g. the General Pharmaceutical Council in the UK.

The commissioner or commissioning body

This is the organization which pays money to a pharmacy or pharmacist to deliver a service, e.g. dispensing prescriptions, needle exchange. Examples of commissioners include in the UK: NHS, Local Health Boards and local authorities.

The professional body

This is the organization in your country, which provides professional guidance and a voice for the pharmacy profession, e.g. the RPS in the UK. In some countries, the regulator and the professional body may be the same organization.

Abbreviations

Abbreviation What it stands for
ADR Adverse drug reaction
BNF British National Formulary
CD Controlled drug
CPD Continuing professional development
DH Department of Health
FtP Fitness to practice
GP General Practitioner
GPhC General Pharmaceutical Council
GSL General Sales List
MUR Medicines Use Review
NHS National Health Service
NICE National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
NSF National Service Framework
OTC Over-the-Counter
PM Pharmacy Medicine
PGD Patient Group Direction
PMR Patient Medication Record
POM Prescription only Medicine
RPS Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
SOP Standard Operating Procedure
WHO World Health Organization