GPs and pharmacists connect

GPs and pharmacists are communicating directly with each other in a London pilot using Emis and Rx Systems software.

The Medicines Manager pilot involves community pharmacies testing software to allow a direct exchange of information with GP surgeries around repeat medication.

Pharmacists can see a full list of a patient’s repeat medication and, in the future, GPs will be able to see whether prescriptions have been picked up.

The integration could also potentially allow pharmacists to see a summary record of the patient’s information.

Rx Systems is part of Emis Group.

Emis interim chief executive Chris Spencer said getting the software to connect was easy, the tricky bit was the clinical engagement to get “people either side of the button to push it”.

Spencer told EHI that pharmacists were enthusiastic about the development, but GPs were more cautious about sharing information. The pilot would also look at how pharmacists might access parts of the patient record.

The integration could ultimately replace the electronic prescription service and be extended to other pharmacy system suppliers, he said.

Rohpharm community pharmacy in Plaistow, East London went live as the first pilot site in early April. The pharmacy, which uses ProScript from Rx Systems, is linking with two GP surgeries using the EMIS Web clinical management system.

Pharmacist Jignesh Patel said the project had already delivered many benefits.

“We can now see the full list of the patient’s repeat medication that is held on the GP system, which makes it easier for us to respond to patient requests,” he explained.

“We can also communicate directly with the GP – for example, to query a prescription. The GP can also contact us – for example, asking us to only fill part of a script because the patient is overdue a review.

“Better communication between GP and pharmacist enables a holistic view of the patient’s treatment and can save time and money – essential in today’s pressured healthcare environment.”