NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices

The NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d) is the national standard to be used in all primary and secondary care IT systems that refer to clinical products (medicines, appliances and medical devices) to improve patient safety using a single common clinical product description.

The dm+d is the vision of the UK Clinical Product Reference Source (UKCPRS) Programme. Its aim is to improve patient safety across all sectors of the health service by supporting clinical care through a single common description and to provide a single unique identifier using SNOMED Clinical Terminology (CT). The dm+d is currently designed for Primary and Secondary care use.

The dictionary is the standard for Drug and Device identification by ensuring safe and reliable exchange of information on drugs and medical devices. This is vital to support the major initiatives within the NHS Connecting for Health programme, including the National Care Record Service (NCRS) and the National Prescription Service.

The dictionary is the cornerstone of the following IT Systems that are utilised within the NHS:

• Primary Care prescribing systems supporting those clinical professions providing prescribing services to the NHS

• Primary Care dispensing systems supporting those clinical professions and organisations providing dispensing services to the NHS

• Clinical decision support systems providing automated decision support and guideline management services to the NHS that require reference to medicines and medical devices

• Secondary Care systems including prescribing, dispensing, administration, procurement and inventory management

• Within the drug supply industry to enable tracking of drugs from manufacturing through to dispensing.

The NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices is an NHS Standard that has to be used by:

• Healthcare professionals who prescribe, supply and administer or fit clinical products

• Authors of guidelines, care pathways and protocols involving the use of clinical products

• Research bodies for information and research purposes

• NHS and commercial organisations who form part of the supply chain for clinical products

• NHS systems to enable drug monitoring and performance management

• Organisations concerned with clinical governance, purchase and supply, the Department of Health (DH) Medicines, Pharmacy and Industry Division, and academic units.

The content of the latest release of the dictionary can be viewed by using the browser facility available at www.ppa.nhs.uk.

Authorised users can download the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices from the web site www.dmddownload.nhs.uk. The dictionary is updated on a weekly basis. Early notice of any enhancements to the model will be provided and historical versions will be available.

If you wish to have access to this service or have any queries, please contact Information Services with your details by email at help@ppa.nhs.uk or by telephone on 0191 2035050.