Understanding the New Medicine Service (NMS)
The New Medicine Service (NMS) is an advanced healthcare service provided by participating community pharmacies in England. The service is specifically targeted at patients who have been newly prescribed a medicine for a long-term condition (LTC). The core objective is to offer additional support during the early stages of a new treatment, helping patients to manage their medication effectively and address any concerns they may have. The ultimate goal is to improve medicine adherence, leading to better health outcomes and a reduction in avoidable hospital admissions and health-related costs.
How the NMS Process Works
The NMS process involves a structured series of consultations between the patient and a trained pharmacist. This three-stage process is designed to support the patient during the crucial first few weeks of a new medication regimen.
The process includes:
- Patient Engagement: When a patient presents a new prescription for an eligible long-term condition, the pharmacist will explain the NMS and invite them to participate. The pharmacist will also gather initial information and obtain patient consent.
- The Intervention Consultation: This one-on-one consultation takes place approximately 7 to 14 days after the patient receives their new medicine. It can be done in a private consultation room at the pharmacy or over the phone. During this discussion, the pharmacist assesses how the patient is getting on with the new medication, identifies potential side effects, and clarifies any questions or misunderstandings.
- The Follow-Up Consultation: This second consultation occurs 14 to 21 days after the first one. The pharmacist checks back with the patient to see if any new problems have arisen and to review their adherence. If a patient is still struggling, the pharmacist can refer them back to their GP for further review.
Eligibility and Eligible Conditions
Not all new prescriptions are covered by the NMS. The service focuses on specific patient groups and long-term conditions to have the greatest impact.
Eligible conditions for the NMS include:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Conditions requiring anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy (for blood clot prevention)
Patients aged 14 years and older, who are able to give consent, are generally eligible. The service can also involve parents or carers for younger patients or those unable to give consent.
The Proven Benefits of the NMS
Studies have demonstrated the positive impact of the New Medicine Service on patient outcomes and the healthcare system. The service is a cost-effective way to improve medication adherence and patient knowledge.
- Improved Adherence: Research has shown that patients who receive NMS have significantly higher rates of medicine adherence compared to those receiving standard care. One study found an 11% increase in adherence for patients using the service.
- Better Patient Outcomes: By helping patients stick to their treatment plans, the NMS reduces the risk of long-term complications associated with poorly managed chronic conditions.
- Reduced Costs for the NHS: Improved adherence leads to fewer hospital admissions and other healthcare interventions related to medication problems. Since its introduction, the NMS has been estimated to save the NHS millions of pounds.
- Enhanced Self-Management: The consultations empower patients by providing them with the knowledge and confidence to manage their own health conditions more effectively.
NMS vs. Standard Pharmacy Care: A Comparison
The table below outlines the key differences between the support provided by an NMS pharmacy and standard pharmacy practice for a new prescription.
| Feature | Standard Pharmacy Care | NMS Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Information Provided | Standard dispensing label and basic verbal advice at the counter. | Comprehensive, one-on-one consultation in a private area or over the phone. |
| Follow-Up | No formal, proactive follow-up is planned or offered. | A structured follow-up consultation is scheduled with the pharmacist. |
| Focus | Primarily focused on accurate dispensing and brief instructions for use. | Focused on addressing individual patient experiences, potential side effects, and supporting medication adherence. |
| Problem-Solving | Primarily reactive; a patient must contact the pharmacy to report a problem. | Proactive; the pharmacist initiates contact to identify and resolve potential problems before they become serious. |
| Patient Empowerment | Limited. Dependent on the patient's ability to recall and act on verbal advice. | High. Empowers patients with a deeper understanding of their treatment and encourages active participation. |
The Other NMS: An Important Medical Distinction
While the term NMS in a pharmacy context refers to the New Medicine Service, it is also a medical abbreviation for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. This is a distinct and rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications or the abrupt withdrawal of certain dopaminergic drugs. Symptoms include high fever, severe muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability. The two terms should not be confused. When encountering the abbreviation, the context (e.g., a community pharmacy service vs. a clinical medical report) will indicate the correct meaning.
Conclusion
An NMS pharmacy is an invaluable asset to the healthcare system, offering a structured, supportive program to help patients navigate the early stages of a new medication for a long-term condition. This targeted intervention has been clinically and economically proven to boost medication adherence, enhance patient self-management, and ultimately improve overall health outcomes. By leveraging the expertise of community pharmacists, the New Medicine Service provides a crucial link in the chain of patient care, ensuring that prescriptions translate into effective treatment. For anyone starting a new long-term medication, seeking out a pharmacy that provides this service can significantly increase the chances of a positive and successful health journey. Patients in England can inquire at their local community pharmacy about their participation in this program or check the official National Health Service website for more details.
Visit the official NHS page on the New Medicine Service for further information.
