Electronic Prescriptions supports the safe and secure transfer of prescription information between a prescriber (doctor, specialist, dentist, optometrist, nurse practitioner, etc) and a dispenser (community pharmacy) using an electronic system known as a Prescription Exchange Service.
Under the National Health Plan for COVID-19, the Australian Government has accelerated the delivery of electronic prescribing to help protect people most at-risk in our community from exposure to COVID-19.
It provides patients with convenient access to their medicines with a multitude of benefits:
- Improving patient safety by reducing the risk of transcription errors
- Reducing administrative burden for health care providers and organisations
- Supplementing delivery of telehealth services to ensure continuity of patient care
- Providing an opportunity to protect community members and health care providers from exposure to infectious diseases e.g., COVID-19
Electronic prescribing is not mandatory, and patients and prescribers will be able to choose electronic or paper prescriptions.
Software vendors are currently working towards implementing electronic prescribing functionality in their clinical systems. It is recommended that practices consider upgrading to the latest version of their clinical system to allow more time for your practice to adapt quickly to the new electronic prescribing functionality.
The Australian Digital Health Agency has published a new webpage on electronic prescribing which explains how the process will work. There are also dedicated webpages for prescribers and dispensers. There is a podcast series to provide you with the latest information on digital health from experts in their field.
Western Sydney Primary Health Network can assist you and your practice to achieve meaningful use of current digital health initiatives. For information and support around electronic prescriptions, email the Digital Health team at digitalhealth@wentwest.com.au
Visit our Electronic Prescriptions webpage for more information.