The launch of the Pharmacy First service at the end of January has helped improve interoperability for community pharmacists and GPs. Community pharmacies are now able to access GP patient records, meaning that pharmacists can link their own Patient Medication Records (PMRs) with the Electronic Health Records (EHRs) that GPs keep.
However, to ensure interoperability among a broader array of healthcare providers, digital transformation is essential. PMR systems can be integrated into digital referral and consultation booking platforms, delivery management systems, and patient-facing apps to enhance the overall patient experience.
Interconnected networks are key
PMRs have evolved to take on a more consultative role, transitioning from traditional setups to dynamic cloud-based solutions. By digitising patient records, pharmacies can align their PMRs with NHS interoperability frameworks.
Linking PMRs with EHRs and other forms of patient records helps establish standardised formatting and protocols, ensuring that patient records are accurately and securely shared between healthcare providers, and allow for real-time updates of patient data across providers. This reduces the administrative burden for pharmacists, while making care more accessible and streamlined.
Furthermore, this improves patient outcomes and safeguards pharmacies. Interconnected patient records make sure that different care providers are aware of any changes in a patient’s condition, any prescriptions they are on, and any treatments they have tried. This means that care providers can make informed decisions and recommendations, safeguarding healthcare workers from any potential negligence while improving patient outcomes.
Integrated PMRs better handle referrals
One benefit of integrated PMR systems is the ability to better handle inbound consultation referrals through a digital platform.
The NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS), which previously handled urgent repeat medication supply and NHS referrals for minor illnesses, is now part of Pharmacy First, and encourages primary care providers to provide digital referrals for patients to pharmacies. By doing so, pharmacies can help relieve pressure on GPs and other healthcare providers by dealing with patient issues such as low acuity advice, treatment, and urgent repeat prescriptions.
Through improved interconnectivity between PMRs and other patient records, it is easier to refer patients to receive prompt, accessible assistance for a variety of minor conditions.
Delivery management systems boost efficiency
The emergence of delivery management systems offers community pharmacies the ability to track medication deliveries, allowing them to optimise delivery and manage inventory appropriately. When incorporated into PMRs, patients can also receive real-time updates on the status of medication deliveries, schedule repeat prescriptions, and secure timely access to essential medicines. For patients with mobility issues or who live far away from pharmacies, this helps give patients peace of mind.
For example, Charac’s acquisition of Pro Delivery Manager last month, which made us the largest and fastest-growing patient relationship management platform in the UK, has significantly enhanced our delivery function. With Pro Delivery Manager, we can provide pharmacies and delivery drivers with a system to optimise routes to increase delivery efficiency, track delivery drivers and distribute workload across drivers evenly. As the UK sees more than a billion prescriptions dispensed each year, and as many medications cannot be delivered by post and require receipt upon delivery, having systems to manage such operations is essential. This also means that patients do not encounter any delays in receiving medication, some of which can be life-saving.
Digital records put patients first
Digital patient records reduce admin and help relieve unnecessary work for pharmacists. However, they also play a key role in empowering patients and improving patient outcomes.
Integrating PMRs with patient-facing apps, such as patient portals to book and attend consultations, and delivery systems that allow patients to order and track their medications, encourage patients to be more engaged in managing their health. Improving communication channels and incorporating automated care features means that patients are more likely to take an active role in ensuring their own wellbeing.
The development of AI and machine learning can also develop patient-facing apps further, predicting patient needs through health monitoring, scheduling prescription deliveries, and providing medication recommendations and reminders.
Creating an interoperable network of platforms across the primary care system will lighten the workload for pharmacists and improve patient outcomes. At Charac, we are working to support community pharmacies by providing them with the technology to ensure they successfully deliver the demands of Pharmacy First, enhance the patient experience, and promote equitable access to healthcare for patients.
Digital patient records are essential in ensuring that patients are able to book consultations, conduct appointments, and order prescriptions efficiently and effectively, and seamlessly receive the highest standard of care from GPs, pharmacists, and other care providers. PMRs are key to the future of pharmacies to help them transform the patient-pharmacy relationship for the better.
By Santosh Sahu, Founder and CEO of Charac