Scanning prescriptions - do you?

[dan the dealer]

If not, why not?

To stop another thread going off on a tangent.

I'm based in Wales, so not used the system in place in Eng or Sco. We don't have any downloaded prescriptions, just a normal form with a 2D barcode

I scan any script that has a barcode. It reduces labelling errors, you get all the patient details on your PMR, it can speed up dispensing if utilised properly. I used to work for a multiple that likes to work together and they pushed it really hard and were part of the trial. They use Cegidem which I found the fastest and easiest to use. We use Positive Solutions, which I have issues with regarding some aspects, but I'll be sending feedback on a regular basis (I'm sure they'll love me for that. But, if you don't let them know what the problems are, how will they get resolved?) Rx seemed very clumsy and not intuitive
Not used any other systems

So, as I said way up ^there^, do you scan your scripts? If not, why not?

[roper]

I locum in Yorkshire. I have a smart card but I find that I rarely need it. There can be a delay getting the script up on screen after scanning it in. I think the system was a mistake and doesn't work properly.

[Pharmanaut]

I locum in Yorkshire. I have a smart card but I find that I rarely need it. There can be a delay getting the script up on screen after scanning it in. I think the system was a mistake and doesn't work properly.

I find the scanner is next to the PC in most pharmacies and this lends itself to scanning the script as they bubble to the top of the pile.
Suggesting that the script is scanned and then put on the bottom of the pile gives it time to retrieve. Scanning it again when it gets to the top of the pile brings it right to the screen.


Most of the scripts are repeats - so nominations should cover the timely downloading of the scripts so you can order and dispense before the patient calls to collect etc.

Anyway - moving to Derbyshire so I can live in Hope.

[evilmonkey]

We scan everything that can be scanned (I'm in Scotland) and although it took a bit of getting used to I much prefer it now. It reduces error and makes filling in the details of new patients far quicker, the presentation of handwritten nurses rx's from new patients always results in a little sigh now as you have to do it the old way. The fact that the prescriber can electronically cancel a rx from their side is also useful, although in the majority of cases this is accidental. The scanning out of rx's that have been collected have also saved many 'hunt the prescription scenarios' when someone else mistakenly comes in to pick it up. All in all, a good thing.

[Rebyoo]

I am also from Scotland and we do scan or prescriptions. The only downside is as said above, doctors seem to be able to mark prescriptions as cancelled without intending to, and it can be a chore having to phone and explain why you need a new one when people don't really know what you're talking about! Other than that and the odd occasion where batches of prescriptions aren't retrievable, i think it's a much more efficient and accurate way of labelling.

[LeftArm]

The Scottish system is simpler than the English system as it still relies on a piece of paper issued by the doctor. Apart from scanning the script so that data doesn't have to be rekeyed the system is Basically the same as the old system. (ie The customer or pharmacy still collect the script from the surgery and take it to their chosen pharmacy). AFAIK there is not "Patient Nomination" perhaps someone could let me know if that's right?
There are also payments to pharmacies that acheive 80% scanned scripts each month so the system has been widely accepted by pharmacies.
Once everyone is comfortable with the system it will be easy for the switch to paperless to take place.

Here in England the system is overly complex and rather slow. With release one where the scripts are scanned the paper prescription is still the "legal entity" signed by the doctor so payment is still made by sending this off. The message download takes time and despites the promise that data would not have to be rekeyed in fact the Dosages almost always need to be reentered as the surgeries are still writing codes 1od 2qds etc. or things like "1 DAILY".
It is quicker to process scripts by repeating previous dispensing rather than downloading. Release one scripts can still be processed in the old way and sent for payment. There is no financial incentive to downloading the messages. None of the promised "Benefits for Dispensing Contractors" are being delivered.
I know pharmacies wher they managed to change working practices and do a fair amount of scanned scripts (and find it beneficial) while others avoid the system altogether.
I'm now dealing with some pharmacies that are swapping to Release2 scripts as Doctors Surgeries start rolling out their systems.