Discontinuation of BNF supply to NHS/Health System

Following research showing increasing preference for digital versions, and in line with NHS’s plans to digitise, connect and transform, the upcoming (October and November 2023) print edition of BNF86 and BNFC 2023-24 will be the last to be supplied by NICE to the NHS in England.

SPS commentary:

Digital versions of the BNF/BNFc can be accessed via the NICE website, BNF app and MedicinesComplete website.

NICE state that the benefits of moving to digital BNF and BNFC content include:

  • Clinical safety – The digital offerings are updated monthly providing important clinical and safety information in a timely way. Print versions of the BNF and BNFC are provided once a year and are out of date by the time they are received by healthcare providers. 
  • Environmental Impact – Switching to a digital format of the BNF and BNFC supports the national priority to deliver a Net Zero National Health Service by 2040. Printing and distribution of the BNF and BNFC has a significant carbon footprint.
  • Digital Transformation – Switching to digital BNF and BNFC content supports the NHS Long Term Plan objectives of digital transformation.

 

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Resource links:

NICE Website (BNF online)

MedicinesComplete