Home Alone… Lessons shared by an MI pharmacist working from home Kate Pickett, Medicines Q&A Pharmacist, Wessex Drug and Medicines Information Centre Introduction The UKMi Medicines Q&A database was established in 2002. The aim of this national project is to provide a high quality, regularly updated database of evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions about medicines for the NHS. With the introduction of the ‘Improving Working Lives’ initiative 1, the development of electronic information sources and the increasing use of electronic transmission of data, it was suggested that answers to Medicines Q&As could be researched and the literature critically evaluated from home. In addition, co-ordination of the Medicines Q&A scheme within the UKMi network is also possible from home. Considerations Advantages • Higher level of productivity • Ability to manage your own workload • Fewer interruptions or distractions while completing detailed answers to complex questions • Improved work/life balance • Geographical freedom to live at a distance from workplace • Environmentally friendly – no commuting! • Availability and funding of IT equipment and support • Access to information sources • Maintenance of colleague contact, support and networking • Variety of work • Personal style of working, self-motivation and time management Disadvantages • Professional isolation • Lack of direct colleague contact • Temptation to check emails out-of-hours! Working from home as a Medicines Q&A pharmacist Work/life balance • Supported by the ‘Improving Working Lives’ initiative 1 • 85% of companies have a homeworking policy 2 • > 8 million people work part of their week from home 2 The future And homeworkers don’t………… • Further expansion of the Medicines Q&A scheme • Answering non-urgent, complex MI enquiries using MI Databank from home • Work in their pyjamas! • Watch daytime TV! • Sit in the garden! Some points to think about when working from home, some of which may need funding: • Develop a clearly timetabled work programme that is reviewed regularly with your manager. • Ensure people know how and when to contact you. • Check to see what NHS and MI software/databases you can use at home. Check to see what is free and that your use is compatible with the licence. • Liaise with the hospital library about the appropriate mechanism for you requesting, and them supplying, references to your home address. • Ensure that when you email people they know you are not based on NHS premises and they should not send you confidential material. Include a warning in your email sign off. • Have clear arrangements with your manager about what will be paid for (e. g. broadband charges, printer ink, stamps, anti-virus software, when you can claim for travel). • Buy reputable virus software (e. g. Symantec) and keep it up-to-date. Scan your whole system regularly. • Ensure that all vital information on your PC is backed up regularly. • Set up an email account for work which is separate to your personal email address. • Tips to reduce isolation: Try and establish a regular slot to phone your manager, so you can save up issues to address; Ensure you are included in relevant people’s email distribution lists; Visit the workplace regularly (e. g. monthly) and book the dates well in advance so that people know when to expect you; Establish email networks with relevant people; Be aware of training opportunities; Attend work social functions. References 1. Improving Working Lives Standard. www. dh. gov. uk 2. www. enterprisenation. com
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