11 February 2025
If you are an SLT involved in videofluoroscopies, here is a reminder of the process with regards to medications
During videofluoroscopies, prescription only medications (POMs) such as ‘omnipaque’ are sometimes used for people identified as high risk of aspiration. It’s essential to remember that any administration of POMs should be underpinned by appropriate governance. Appropriately trained and competent SLTs are permitted under current legislation to use Patient Group Directions (PGDs) to supply and administer medicines if these are available and authorised within their Trust.
If you are unsure what legal authorisation is in place to administer or supply a POM (or any other pharmacy or general sales list medicine) please speak to your pharmacy or medicines governance team and manager who will be able to advise you.
Further information on administering contrast is available via the Specialist Pharmacy Service.
The RCSLT is actively campaigning for SLTs to gain prescribing rights through our Prescribing Now campaign. Examples of PGDs are available on our videofluoroscopy page. If you have any questions and need further support, or you would like to share an example of your PGD, please contact us via info@rcslt.org
