Multi-compartment Compliance Aids (MCAs)

 

Process for the distribution of Multi-compartment Compliance Aids (MCAs) to Community Pharmacies

Since the Compliance Support Initiative (CSI) (2002-3) ended, NHS Fife has continued to support contractors that consequently experienced an increase in costs of associated consumables due to the patients that were assessed as needing an MCA. These contractors receive a limited allowance of trifold blister packs each year based on the number of NHS Fife patients they support.  In 2022 these arrangements were reviewed to ensure the use of the budget was maximised and facilitated fair distribution across independent contractors.

As the Compliance Support initiative no longer exists and the budget for this support is capped, it is not possible to extend allocations to any new applicants at this time.

Any queries should be directed to: Fife.fifepharmacycommpharm@nhs.scot

 

Governance

In order to support the necessary and continued audit of this support initiative the board reserves the right to request data occasionally from contractors which may include the CHI numbers of NHS Fife patients who receive MCAs.

 

MCA Assessment

We are aware that the majority of MCAs provided through community pharmacies are at the request of other health or social care professionals and that pharmacy professionals are rarely required to complete a CSI assessment. However, in recognition that;

  • some pharmacies may have capacity issues to accept patients requiring an MCA

and also that

  • an MCA can sometimes be seen as critical part of a patient’s care package and therefore potentially can affect discharge plans

you may need to assess a patient’s appropriateness for an MCA and suggest suitable alternatives (e.g MAR chart reminders, non-child resistant caps (CRC)). A link is provided to an example of an assessment form and some other useful MCA resources below.

 

Resources

Is an MCA required? – Some background info’ from the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

MCA Assessment Form – We have adapted this one with thanks from NHS North Bristol for your considered use as it’s particularly concise and helps you assess patients for alternatives to MCAs when requested.

MCA Kardex – a form that can be kept with prescriptions and aids the recording of requested changes.

MCA Stability Tool – A tool from SPS to check the current guidance for whether a medicine is suitable for an MCA and for how long.