The NMS is an evidence-based service that allows pharmacists to provide continuity of care for patients. Through an initial interview and a mandatory follow up, the patient is supported. The service is accessible to housebound patients and others who choose to use it remotely, as it can be provided by telephone. In any consultation, it is important to share the agenda with the patient and give them the opportunity to ask questions. They will be more receptive to the pharmacist's agenda if they have their questions addressed first.

As a structured consultation around specific questions, the NMS can lead to a variety of interventions. There are a number of suggested questions, which may be asked in a closed or open way. Many practitioners find that the open questions (i.e. those beginning with words like 'how', 'what' and 'when') lead to better discovery of patient needs.

In relation to hospital discharge, the NMS aims to provide benefits for patients and the NHS by:

• Improving health outcomes for patients through improved adherence and therefore efficacy of medicines
• Identifying adverse effects in order to optimise management
• Encouraging cross-sector and multidisciplinary working to provide seamless care
• Promoting and supporting self-care of long-term conditions, including supporting healthy lifestyles
• Reducing medicines waste
• Reducing avoidable healthcare utilisation, including medicines-related hospital admissions
• Providing an opportunity for the patient and pharmacist to share the medicines-related agenda around the NMS, share decision-making regarding ways forward and agree levels of self care appropriate to the individual situation.