Increase in electronic prescriptions during lockdown

NHS Digital has revealed that more than 85 per cent of primary care prescriptions in England are now processed electronically, after a rise in use of the service during the coronavirus pandemic.

Latest data, covering April 2020, shows that 86 per cent of prescriptions dispensed within primary care in England were processed using the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), representing an increase of more than 10 percentage points since February, when the usage was 73 per cent. In April 2019, usage was 68 per cent.

EPS saves the NHS time and money by reducing the amount of paper processing required by GPs, pharmacists, non-medical prescribers and the NHS Business Services Authority. It has benefitted patients and clinicians during the coronavirus crisis as processing prescriptions electronically reduces the need for face-to-face contact and unnecessary journeys.

During April this year, use of EPS was expanded into GP Access/virtual hubs, walk-in centres and out of hours settings. This expansion and focus on increasing the use of EPS in urgent care has contributed to increase in prescriptions processed using this system.

Sam Robinson, Associate Director of Live Services at NHS Digital, said: “Sending prescriptions electronically not only increases efficiency and saves the NHS money, it also helps patients and staff practice social distancing by reducing contacts. We are proud that EPS is supporting clinicians and prescribers to care for patients during this challenging time.”

Latest figures show that 54 per cent of GP practices are now using Phase 4 of EPS, which allows the service to be used for patients without a nominated pharmacy and prescriptions to be downloaded using the unique prescription ID. Roll-out of EPS Phase 4 began last November.