RPS launches largest edition of Medicines, Ethics and Practice

The MEP now incorporates guidance from the new RPS Patient Safety Professional standards

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched its latest edition of Medicines, Ethics and Practice (MEP), marking it as the largest ever at 258 pages—reflecting a substantial 30 per cent increase in content from the previous edition.

Key updates in this year’s edition include expanded prescribing content, new patient safety standards, a joint position statement by RPS and RCN, and updated information on Valproate Pregnancy Prevention Programme (PPP).

Rakhee Amin, MEP Editor, said: “The MEP continues to support our members and the wider pharmacy profession. The additions of prescribing and patient safety reflect our ongoing commitment to high standards of professional practice.

“We thank everyone who helped build this edition of the MEP, and those who provided expert advice and information during its preparation.”

The MEP now includes detailed signposting to RPS resources and the full text of RPS competency frameworks and guidance, such as the Competency Framework for All Prescribers, the Competency Framework for Designated Prescribing Practitioners, and the Professional Guidance on Expanding Prescribing Scope of Practice.

The latest edition also incorporates guidance from the new RPS Patient Safety Professional standards, designed to support pharmacists in reporting adverse effects and handling dispensing errors more effectively.

These standards have been developed by the RPS, Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK and Pharmacy Forum NI, with the support of an expert steering group and public consultation.

In collaboration with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the RPS has added updated information and guidance on the safe practice of prescribing, dispensing, supply, and administration by the same individual.

Additionally, the 47 edition includes updated information on the valproate pregnancy prevention programme, incorporating new legislation and the most recent MHRA guidance on full pack dispensing of valproate-containing medicines.

All Foundation Trainee Members of the RPS will receive a copy of the new MEP free of charge as part of their membership. Copies are available for £52.50 for members and £70 for non-members.

Additionally, all currently practising GB-based pharmacists (excluding Student, Retired, or International Members) can request a free physical copy by completing a quick 4-question form available in the Printed Materials Opt-In section on www.rpharms.com/myRPS.

All RPS members, regardless of their membership type, can access the digital MEP.