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When PGDs can be used

Published
Topics: Patient Group DirectionsSummary advice

Understanding when PGDs are a suitable mechanism for the supply and/or administration of medicines ensures an appropriate legal framework for service provision.

This article forms part of a series
  1. Introduction to PGDs
    1. When PGDs can be used
    2. When not to use a PGD
    3. P and GSL medicines with PGDs

Using a PGD

PGDs must only be used where there is no other suitable mechanism for the administration or supply of the medicine within the legislation. Careful consideration should be given to opportunities within the care pathway to use a prescription or a Patient Specific Direction and also consider the use of exemptions.

Patient Group Directions NICE Guideline MPG2 (2017) states that you should consider investing in the training of additional non-medical prescribers to enable the redesign of services if necessary.

Scenarios when a PGD can be used

Examples include:

  • vaccinations
  • minor injury units and other, non-prescriber led, first contact services
  • services where assessment and treatment follows a clearly predictable pattern (NHS immunisation clinics and contraception and sexual health services, for example)

Special considerations

Follow the links for specific guidance on including the following medicines in a PGD:

Controlled drugs

Not all controlled drugs can be supplied or administered under a PGD. Further information can be found in Supply and/or administration of Controlled Drugs under a PGD.

Further information

When not to use a PGD

Understanding when PGDs are an unsuitable mechanism for the supply and/or administration of medicines ensures an alternative legal framework is applied.