1. Multi–compartment compliance aid (MCA)
Also known as – MDS® (Monitored dosage systems ) , Nomad®,Dossette®, Medidos®, 7 day Venalink®
Considerations before supply of a MCA :
- Does the patient fit the Equality Act 2010 eligibility criteria ?
- Has a medication review been carried out ? – Is the patient’s medication suitable for a MCA ?
- Does the patient have a relative or carer living with them who could aid them with the opening of bottles / foil packaging / packaging or can they fill a patient’s own weekly calendar box ?
- Consider other available patient aids i.e. medication reminder/administration charts, pill pushers/press, pill timer/alarm, bottle opening aids.

2. Liaise with the patients community pharmacy / pharmacist before requesting a MCA – they can carry out a review to assess patients eligibility , medication reviews, review other suitable aid options.
Promotes independence and adherence in eligible patients when used appropriately.
Capacity for 7 or 28 days medication supply (Prescribing of 7 day supplies should only apply to patients who have a clear clinical need - e.g. concerns about overdose or misuse, frequent changes to medication regime – minimises waste , to support medication compliance of a particular patient .)
Manufacturers of medications repackaged into MCA’s become NO longer liable for the medication and accountability transfers to the prescriber and dispensing pharmacy.
National funding for MCA’s is provided within the community pharmacy contract for patients that comply under the Equality Act 2010.

3. MCA hospital discharges :
-An MCA should not be started in hospital without a review of patient’s eligibility, medication suitability, and appropriateness of MCA.
-Discussions should also be had with the patient, patients family/carers, GP and community pharmacy before a supply is provided.
-If a patient is using an MCA prior to admission the hospital pharmacy should provide a 14 day medication supply – if an MCA is required on discharge then this should be provided by the hospital pharmacy after a review of the suitability of any new medications prescribed has been carried out.
-The patient’s GP and community pharmacy should be informed of the patient’s discharge and any changes to the medication to allow for preparation of future MCA supplies to continue without disruption.