Dear member,

The QPS Valproate Audit must be undertaken over a consecutive 3 month period therefore it is important for you to start the audit NOW!

The very last date for starting the audit is 29^th November 2019 (but DO NOT leave it until this date)

The valproate safety audit is an audit of the provision of advice on pregnancy prevention for girls and women of childbearing potential taking valproate.

What you need to do:

1. Read the following Documents: MHRA Patient Safety Update on Valproate Medicines & Healthcare Professionals Valproate Booklet
2. Audit must be done over a 3 month period but each patient is only to be recorded once
3. If a patient has not collected themselves you must attempt to contact the patient by other means e.g. telephone if unreachable then record this on the patients PMR
4. Follow the questions in the audit sheet & keep a record on the patients PMR
5. Keep audit records for 2 years

Every time valproate is dispensed patients should be checked for the following

• Whether a Patient Card has been provided to the patient. This should happen every time valproate is dispensed
• The patient card is included with each original pack of sodium valproate
• That the patient was aware of the risks in pregnancy and the need for use of highly effective contraception
• That the patient was aware of the need for annual specialist review
• Whether a Patient Guide42 has been provided to the patient; and
• If the child or woman of childbearing potential reports that she is not using highly effective contraception, that the patient has been referred to their GP or specialist (including if the pharmacist contacted the GP).

For any further help and support please contact the PharmaPlus team.

Regards,

PharmaPlus