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What is DSQS?

The Dispensary Services Quality Scheme (DSQS)
is an initiative aimed at elevating the quality of
services provided by dispensing GP dispensaries.
This scheme, designed to uphold excellence in
dispensary services, not only guides GP practices
to address key quality measures in their service
provision but, more importantly, contributes to the
overall well-being of patients; it needs to be given
the attention it deserves.
For you as a GP or manager, addressing the
requirements outlined in the DSQS will guide you
to ensuring quality of service. It is not just all about
the £2.58 per patient payment you will receive if
you are signed up to the scheme! Take some time to
understand how it is being handled in your practice.

Understanding DSQS

The Dispensary Services Quality Scheme
is a structured program that sets out
to assess and recognise the quality of
services provided by dispensaries within
GP practices under the GMS contract.
Key Components of DSQS: The DSQS establishes a set of standards
and criteria to evaluate the performance
1. Accreditation Standards: DSQS outlines of these services, promoting a culture of
specific standards that dispensaries continuous improvement.
must meet to achieve accreditation.
These standards cover a range of aspects,
including medication safety, patient
counselling, staff training, and overall
operational efficiency. By adhering to these
standards, dispensaries ensure a safe and 3. Staff Training and Development: The scheme
effective environment for patients. places a strong emphasis on the ongoing
training and development of dispensary
2. SOPS: DSQS requires you to have a
comprehensive set of standard operating staff. This includes dispensers, technicians,
procedures (SOPs) which cover all the and support staff. Continuous education
dispensing activities. This requirement is ensures that professionals stay updated on
important and you should recognise that the latest developments in pharmaceutical
when it comes to the usefulness of your regulations and guidance, ultimately
SOPs. You must ensure that SOPs are in enhancing the quality of patient care.
place and reflect both good professional 4. Patient Engagement and Counselling:
practice, as well as the procedures that Effective communication between
are actually performed by the practice. healthcare providers and patients is vital
SOPs should be followed routinely for all for successful treatment outcomes. DSQS
dispensing related activities. SOPs should encourages dispensaries to focus on
be specific to the practice and should set patient counselling via Dispensary Review
out in writing what should be done, when, of Use of Medicines (DRUM Reviews)
where and by whom. Standard operating providing clear and understandable
procedures must be reviewed and information about medications, potential
updated at least once every 12 months side effects, and proper usage. This
and whenever dispensing procedures emphasis on patient engagement fosters
are amended. A written audit trail of a stronger bond between the dispensary
amendments should be maintained. staff and those seeking care.

or call us on 01904 558 350 DSQS | PS Magazine 5 5

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