Methods of storing controlled drugs, registers in use, and policies on disposal of outdated stock (n = 59 practices)
| N | % | |
|---|---|---|
| Storage of controlled drugs: | ||
| In doctor’s bag | 36 | 61.0 |
| Locked cabinet or safe | 46 | 78.0 |
| Emergency practice bag | 9 | 15.3 |
| Locked case | 1 | 1.7 |
| Registers: | ||
| Standard register only | 11 | 18.6 |
| Practice notebook only | 15 | 25.4 |
| Doctor’s notebook only | 13 | 22.0 |
| Standard register plus doctor’s notebook | 12 | 20.3 |
| Practice notebook plus doctor’s notebook | 8 | 13.6 |
| Disposal of outdated stock: | ||
| Destroyed at the practice by an individual | 5 | 8.5 |
| Destroyed at the practice before another member of staff | 11 | 18.6 |
| Destroyed at the practice before an authorised witness | 15 | 25.4 |
| Returned to a pharmacy | 20 | 33.9 |
| Destroyed by police | 6 | 10.2 |
| Other | 2 | 3.4 |