Cautionary tales from a Schedule V Clinic...illustrated pitfalls accumulated over a five year period

Abstract

Aims: Schedule V Clinics enable individuals suffering from conditions listed in the relevant Parliamentary Act to access free medication. A series of reports illustrating potential pitfalls in practice encountered in this setting are presented. Methods: Case reports were accumulated from patients presenting to the Schedule V Clinic over the period 2004-8 during routine care. Cases were prospectively accumulated identifying diagnostic pitfalls encountered and adverse pharmacological effects of commonly used drugs. Photographs were taken with a Sony DSC-T1 Cybershot 5MP camera. Results: The report series include selected cases of altered diagnoses with pharmacological implications and various pharmacological adverse effects. The series include two cases of slow/recurrent angio-oedoma; photosensitive rashes, erythema multiforme, vasculitis and renal failure requiring dialysis. Conclusions: Pharmacovigilance is one of the roles provided by Schedule V Clinics in the community. There is potential for better shared care, interaction, and documentation which may assist in risk reduction and improved patient safety.