Homecare Company dispensing/delivery and Community Pharmacy dispensing

These methods of dispensing of medicines can offer several advantages:

• increasing patient access especially for remote and rural areas
• where attendance at clinic to collect medicines is challenging, ensures continuity of medicine supply aiding adherence
• releases capacity within the hospital pharmacy service to allow for clinical and patient facing activities such as medication reviews and independent prescribing.

However, it should be noted that costs may vary significantly depending upon the ART being dispensed and model of supply (hospital based, homecare company or community pharmacy). These costs should be reviewed before making decisions on the preferred dispensing route. In addition, for Homecare dispensing, upfront staff resource is required to provide technical and administrative support. NHS Boards should review the advantages and work with pharmacy colleagues, in all sectors, and NSS procurement colleagues to maximise benefit for people living with HIV.