About Dispensing Practice » Challenges in dispensing practice » NHS digitisation/electronic prescription services
Electronic health applications have been a feature of the NHS for some time, as a response to improving access to healthcare services, particularly in very remote areas, as well as an infection control measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For practice dispensaries, the most relevant technological challenges are presented by online prescription delivery services aggressively marketing to patients using electronic prescription services.
The rising popularity of online pharmacies reflects a general consumer movement to buy products and services online. Data for 2024 shows that there are now 430 exclusively online businesses. In addition, many traditional High Street pharmacy businesses will also operate a mail order service.
In England, online pharmacies are eligible to dispense prescriptions issued via the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), an NHS service that digitally transfers prescription orders between GPs and pharmacies.
Non-NHS funded EPS software is available for certain GP dispensary system users. However, the DDA only supports use of a universal system that is NHS funded. A review of the EPS is currently underway, which may facilitate the inclusion of dispensing practices in England within the service. The DDA is also actively working with the BMA to achieve NHS funding for GP dispensary EPS systems.
Read the DDA paper: The DHSC is in denial over EPS funding
Wales and Scotland have begun the development of electronic prescription programmes.
The Welsh electronic prescription service officially rolled out in from January 2024, with inclusion of the functionality required by dispensing GPs.
The Scottish Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways programme is currently in development. However, dispensing practices are not within the initial scope of the programme.
For further information
Statistics: Electronic Prescription Service nominations
Electronic Prescription Service: NHS Digital information
Electronic Prescription Service: NHS Wales
Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways: National Services Scotland
