Electronic prescriptions have a number of benefits, if the system is designed and works well. However, there have been unintended, costly consequences for community pharmacists, who are losing precious time every day, in an underfunded system, sorting out related administrative errors.
The real cost
As we all know, when Covid-19 hit, prescriptions to pharmacies rapidly moved from paper to digital. This change transformed pharmacies’ workflow virtually overnight. The new system brought the promise of greater efficiencies, but in reality, it has resulted in significant administrative burden, including:
→ Missing or incorrect data on prescriptions.
→ Chasing prescribers to clarify information.
→ Missing, duplicate or cancelled prescriptions.
→ Explaining delays to frustrated patients.
The downstream consequences of the time spent dealing with these issues is time taken away from helping patients, interruptions to the dispensing workflow and a hidden, unquantified financial impact. The current workload is neither efficient nor sustainable for community pharmacy.
Looking ahead
Digital prescribing has clear benefits. We now need to optimise the system by improving efficiency for prescribers and pharmacies. A critical aspect of this
is consistent software systems that meet a national standard, which would reduce avoidable errors.
Collaboration between prescribers and pharmacists, including frontline feedback, would further support the design process of an efficient system for everyone.
The Guild’s work
We understand the frustrations around digital prescriptions and advocating for system improvements remains a key focus. As part of this we have elevated our concerns to the Minister of Health, requesting the introduction of minimum standards for digital
prescriptions. We also continue liaising with HNZ and prescriber representative groups, who are aware of this very real issue.