Electronic Private Prescription

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.

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.

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.

An AES is the prescriber’s cryptographic signature applied to an electronic prescription. In UK law, a private e-prescription is valid only if it is created electronically, signed with an AES, and sent electronically to the dispensing pharmacy. An AES must be uniquely linked to the prescriber, identify the prescriber, be under their sole control, and be bound to the prescription so any later change is detectable. A typed name or scanned image of a signature on a PDF/email is not an AES. Click here for more information.