Page last updated: 18-JUN-2008

ISD Programmes

National Medicines Utilisation Unit Programme

The aim of the National Medicines Utilisation Unit (NMUU) Programme is to help collect and disseminate high quality information on the use of medicines across NHSScotland

Objectives 2008/09

Develop an information strategy for secondary uses of data streams arising from the ePharmacy programme
To build a national repository of hospital medicines utilisation information to meet the business needs of stakeholders(HMUD)
To develop effective information on anti-microbial prescribing and resistance in conjunction with HPS to support the Scottish Management of Anti-microbial Resistance Action Plan (ScotMARAP)
To deliver the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) evaluation programme in collaboration with the SMC
To lead in developments in clinical information/medicines utilisation data linkage

Programme Summary

The NMUU uses data collected to review the clinical and cost effectiveness of medicines, and help make decisions based on evidence. It will improve patient safety and the quality of care by supporting safe, rational and cost effective prescribing.

New databases are being formed so the effect of medicine policies on patient health can be monitored and adverse events associated with medicines can be identified more quickly. This will support integrated patient care and allow patients to make more informed decisions about their treatment.