Tasmanian Patients Embrace Electronic Prescribing

Thursday July 16 2020

 

Tasmania became the latest state to use electronic prescribing via communities of interest with TerryWhite Chemmart Prospect Vale in Launceston successfully dispensing medicines via a token model just last week.

 

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), Tasmania Branch President Ella Van Tienen said electronic prescribing will present a significant addition to how patients will receive and use prescriptions and it is important that it is first operated through communities of interest before being rolled out to the wider community.

 

“The introduction of electronic prescribing will have a big impact on workflow and many pharmacies are in the process of connecting to a prescription delivery service so they can access and dispense electronic prescriptions,” she said.

 

“While some pharmacies will take up electronic prescribing immediately others will probably need a little bit of time to prepare, however once implemented into pharmacists’ workflow it will streamline dispensing services significantly.

 

“To assist pharmacies preparing for electronic prescribing, PSA has set up a dedicated support line to help pharmacies get ready for electronic prescribing and this service will now be available until the end of September.”

 

Communities of interest that will focus on the Active Script List (ASL) model are due to commence from next month, with wider availability of that model from October, according to ADHA advice.

 

All states and territories have made legislative changes to recognise electronic prescriptions except Queensland who are likely to implement the changes in the next couple of weeks.

 

PSA’s specially trained electronic prescriptions team are available to answer questions on electronic prescribing between 8:30am – 7:00pm Monday to Friday on 1300 955 162 or by emailing ep@psa.org.au.

 

Media contact: PSA Media: 0487 922 176