Patient Specific Direction

A Patient Specific Direction (PSD) is a formal written instruction provided by a prescriber, detailing the medicines to be supplied and/or administered to a specific patient. This instruction is issued only after the prescriber has conducted an individual assessment of the patient, ensuring that the prescribed treatment is appropriate based on the patient’s unique medical needs.

The prescriber holds both a professional and legal responsibility for the care provided, which includes any tasks that are delegated to others. It is essential that the prescriber is fully confident in the competence of the person to whom the care or treatment is delegated. This means that the individual taking on the delegated tasks must possess the necessary qualifications, experience, knowledge, and skills to deliver the treatment safely and effectively.

The content of a Patient Specific Direction must be clear and comprehensive, and must include the following:

• The full name(s) of the patient(s) and/or other identifiers (such as date of birth or age, particularly if the patient is a child).
• The name, form, and strength of the prescribed medicine.
• The prescribed route of administration.
• The exact dose to be administered.
• The frequency of the medication or treatment.
• The date the treatment is to start, the number of doses to be administered, and/or the date treatment is expected to end (as applicable).
• The signature of the prescriber, confirming the legitimacy and details of the PSD.

By adhering to these requirements, the prescriber ensures that the direction is legally valid, and that the patient receives safe, effective, and personalised care.