Due to the increase in demand for Just in case boxes, here is a link to the current NHS Fife palliative care guide.  This guide is for patients who are likely to deteriorate and die in the coming days or weeks for whom the aim is community based care. 

Just in case (JIC) boxes should not be prescribed for anticipatory care- instead prescribers should write prescriptions and issue the new dose range anticipatory pre-printed kardex, available on ADTC website.  We have advised prescribers that all pharmacies can dispense anticipatory medicines not just palliative care pharmacies. 

JIC boxes should never be prescribed urgently; instead their use should be anticipated in advance as a core part of the treatment plan.  ​To support urgent access to palliative medication both in and out of hours, the community nursing team now have access to grab bags and sundries to allow urgent administration of anticipatory medication, until a supply can be obtained from a community pharmacy. 

If there is any uncertainty regarding whether the prescriber intends a JIC box to be provided or whether it is only the medication that is required please contact them to clarify. 

If you are unable to provide a JIC box it has been agreed tha​t a bag can be used . Please clearly mark as JIC medicines /sundries for the community nursing teams 

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