GDPR and patient privacy in digital prescribing

Digital prescribing is a game-changer for patient care, but it also means handling sensitive data, and that’s where GDPR comes in.

If you’ve switched to digital prescribing, you’ll know how much smoother it makes things. No more lost paper slips, patients can collect their medication quickly, and it saves you admin time.

But every prescription you send is packed with personal data, and under GDPR you have a legal duty to keep that data safe.

The good news? You don’t need to know the law inside out. You just need to understand the basics, put good habits in place, and make sure you’re using a prescribing system that does the heavy lifting on compliance.

That’s exactly why platforms like Healistic exist, to make prescribing easier while keeping everything secure and GDPR-compliant.

👉 Request a free demo and start e-prescribing with Healistic today

What are the core GDPR principles for digital prescribing?

At its heart, GDPR is about giving patients control over their data and making sure you’re handling it responsibly.

Here are the essentials:

• You need a lawful reason to process data. In healthcare, this isn’t usually consent - it’s your legal duty to provide care.
• Patients must be kept in the loop. They should always know why their data is collected, how it’s used, and who it’s shared with.
• Patients have rights. They can ask to see their data, correct errors, or even restrict how it’s used in some cases.
• Only collect what’s needed. Don’t hoard unnecessary information. And remember, prescriptions are usually kept live for 12 months, then archived securely for six years before being deleted.
• Keep it safe. That means using secure systems, access controls, and making sure staff know the rules.

Using a platform like Healistic means these principles are built into the process, so you don’t have to worry about whether you’re ticking the right compliance boxes.

The importance of Common Law Duty of Confidentiality (CLDC)

Beyond GDPR, there’s also the long-standing duty of confidentiality.

Simply put, patient information should stay private unless:

• the patient has given consent (explicit or implied),
• you’re legally required to share it,
• there’s a court order,
• or it’s in the public interest (for example, safeguarding).

Section 251 of the NHS Act allows patient data to be used without consent in some circumstances, but only with official approval.

In day-to-day practice, this means keeping confidentiality front and centre. If you’re using a prescribing system like Healistic, the platform is already designed to respect both GDPR and confidentiality rules.

How can patient data be protected when prescribing digitally?

Protecting patient data doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about having the right tools and habits in place:

• Use secure systems that are approved to connect with the NHS Spine.
• Restrict access so only staff with the right permissions can view prescriptions.
• Pseudonymise data when it’s used beyond direct care, like research.
• Train your team so everyone knows how to handle data responsibly.

Healistic builds these safeguards into every stage of prescribing. From encryption to fulfilment, the process is designed to reduce the risk of mistakes and keep your patients’ trust intact.

What happens if you breach GDPR by mistake as a clinic?

Mistakes happen, maybe data gets emailed to the wrong address, or a system is left open on a shared computer. If that happens, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) can step in. The consequences range from being told to change your processes to facing fines. In the worst cases, these can reach millions of pounds.

But often, the biggest cost is reputational. Patients need to feel confident that their data is safe with you.

Using a secure, compliant prescribing system is one of the simplest ways to lower your risk and protect both your patients and your practice.

What you need to tell your patients about their data

One of GDPR’s golden rules is transparency. Patients should always know:

• who is handling their data,
• why it’s being collected,
• how long it will be kept,
• who it might be shared with,
• and what rights they have over it.

Some patients may also choose to register for the National Data Opt-Out, which stops their identifiable data being used for things like research or planning.

The key thing is making this information easy to access. Whether that’s through your privacy notice, a simple leaflet, or a quick conversation in clinic, being open builds trust and reassures patients that digital prescribing is safe.

Navigating GDPR

Digital prescribing is about making care quicker, safer, and more convenient. GDPR and confidentiality rules are there to protect your patients, and you.

By keeping the basics in mind and using a secure, compliant system like Healistic, you can focus on what matters most: delivering great care without the admin headaches.

👉 Request a free demo and start e-prescribing with Healistic today