Citation
(2001), "UK pilots on electronic transmission of prescriptions", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 14 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhcqa.2001.06214eab.010
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
UK pilots on electronic transmission of prescriptions
UK pilots on electronic transmission of prescriptions
In March three pilots to test benefits, costs and risks of electronic transmission of prescriptions were approved. The electronic transfer of prescriptions (ETP) between GPs, community pharmacies and the Prescription Pricing Authority is one of the key elements of "Pharmacy in the Future" the modernisation programme for pharmacy services, announced in September. The programme pledged that by 2004 electronic prescriptions would be introduced in the community. Significant benefits for patients are expected, including a safer, more convenient and secure supply of medicine.
Seven proposals were shortlisted in December, and three have been approved. These are from the TransScript consortium, a consortium led by Pharmacy2U, and a consortium led by Sema. TransScript is a consortium comprising British Telecommunications plc, Gehe UK plc (AAH/LloydsPharmacy/PharMed), Phoenix Medical Supplies Ltd and UniChem Ltd. The consortium led by Pharmacy2U comprises Pharmacy2U, North West Co-operative, Health Global Worldwide, RSA Security and Hadley Healthcare. The consortium led by Sema comprises Sema, Boots the Chemist, National Cooperative Chemists, Cable & Wireless and Microsoft.
Pilots will start in later this year and run for at least six months. An independent evaluation of the pilots will test benefits, risks and costs of ETP, and will inform the business case on how best to roll out ETP across the NHS.