Electronic Private Prescription

E-prescribing, or electronic prescribing, is a technology framework in the form of software or an app that allows physicians and other clinicians to ‘write’ and send prescriptions to a participating pharmacy electronically. The software is used to generate a prescription instead handwriting a paper prescription. No paper prescription needs to be sent to the pharmacy by fax, email or post.

An e-prescription or electronic prescription is a prescription that is generated and transmitted electronically, removing the need for paper or handwritten prescriptions. It is a part of e-prescribing, a practice that leverages technology to directly send prescriptions from the prescriber to the pharmacist. This approach makes the prescribing and filling process more efficient and accurate.

1. Digital Format: Prescriptions are created, signed, and transmitted electronically, making the process faster and more secure.
2. Advanced Electronic Signature: a secure, unique digital signature identifying the prescriber.
3. Error Reduction: Minimises errors due to illegible handwriting and misinterpretation of medication names or dosages.
4. Security: Enhanced security protocols to protect sensitive patient data during transmission.
5. Efficiency: Streamlines the prescription process for healthcare providers and pharmacists.
6. Convenience: Patients can often pick up their medications without the need to drop off a paper prescription. Pharmacies can also deliver the medication to the patient.
7. Stand Alone or Integration with EHR: Electronic prescription software can be used as a stand alone service or integrated with Electronic Health Records (EHR), allowing for easier access to patient medical history and drug interactions.
8. Regulation Compliance: Adheres to regulatory UK and EU requirements and standards.

1. Creation: The prescriber creates an electronic prescription using an e-prescribing tool such as Electronic Private Prescription (EPP) or from within an electronic health record system.
2. Review: The prescriber reviews the patient’s medication history and potential drug interactions.
3. Transmission: The prescription is electronically sent to the patient’s chosen pharmacy securely.
4. Preparation: The pharmacy receives the e-prescription, prepares the medication.
5. Pickup or delivery: The patient picks up the prepared medication from the pharmacy or has it delivered to their home, skipping the step of picking up and handing over a paper prescription.