How to manage repeat prescriptions more efficiently in private practice

Private practice clinics can manage repeat prescriptions more efficiently by relying on automated processes and switching to e-prescriptions.

Taking away the manual processes involved in issuing repeat prescriptions can save valuable time for private clinics, pharmacies and patients.

Not only that, streamlining the process also minimises the risk of errors and makes the overall prescription process far safer.

If you’re a private clinic looking to make your repeat prescriptions more efficient, Healistic is an e-prescription software for private clinics - designed to make your practice faster, safer and more streamlined.

How Can Repeat Prescriptions Be Managed More Efficiently in Private Practice?

For repeat prescriptions to be managed more efficiently, private practice clinics need to implement a system which streamlines the process and takes out the long-winded, manual aspects of issuing these prescriptions.

Implementing e-prescription software can make private practices more efficient overall and can automate the process of repeat prescriptions.

They have been proven to:

• Reduce manual errors
• Save private clinics +10 hours of admin per week
• Lead to safer prescribing decisions
• Minimise dispensing errors
• Enhance patient experience.

Why are Manual Repeat Prescriptions Inefficient?

Repeat prescriptions, when done manually, are inefficient for a few key reasons.

Greater risk of error

From illegible handwriting to dosage and dispensing errors, manual processes give way to many different errors that can occur.

Not only does this make the whole process slower - as the errors need to be fixed, patients need to go back to the clinic, etc. - but it also makes it potentially unsafe. With more chance of error, patients are at risk of taking an incorrect dosage or the wrong medication.

Higher workload

When issued manually, repeat prescriptions require the healthcare practitioner to enter information into various systems and seek out specific patient information.

This is prone to errors but is also significantly more time-consuming than an integrated system where accurate, real-time information is readily available. Manual prescriptions also have a higher workload for clinic staff and pharmacies.

Poor patient experience

Between having to wait around for prescriptions, deal with incorrect dosages or take multiple trips between the GP and pharmacy, manual repeat prescriptions involve a lot of hassle for patients.

With e-prescriptions, the process is faster, more efficient and far more convenient leading to greater patient satisfaction.

Less cost-efficient

A greater volume of errors coupled with increased time spent on irrelevant tasks can add to the overall cost of the private clinic.

What Best Practices Can Private Clinics Introduce for More Efficient Repeat Prescriptions?

Here are some of the ways private clinics can work to make repeat prescriptions more efficient.

Use electronic prescriptions

The best way to significantly improve the efficiency of private practice is to introduce electronic prescriptions.

Have a clear repeat prescription policy

Having an established policy for handling repeat prescription requests will mean that the process is standardised and make it faster and easier each time. This can include specific eligibility criteria, scheduling and a certain protocol for any discrepancies.

Integrate with EHR

Integrating with electronic health records (EHR) can help doctors access information in real-time so that they can accurately synchronise the quantities and ordering dates of medications to make repeat prescriptions more efficient.

Schedule reminders

Using technology can automate manual tasks and send reminders to both doctors and patients about any upcoming prescription renewals or medication reviews.

Engage patients

Encourage patients to take responsibility for their own prescriptions, recommending that they create medication schedules, use pillboxes and actively keep track of repeat prescriptions to manage their own medication.

E-prescribing will help with this as it automatically generates repeat prescriptions so that they can be delivered to the patient’s door as soon as they need their next prescription fulfilment.

Why do E-Prescriptions Help Make Repeat Prescriptions More Efficiently?

Electronic repeat prescriptions make the process far more efficient for both healthcare providers and patients.

Convenience for patients

For patients, electronic repeat prescriptions are more convenient as they remove the need for patients to go to their GP whenever they need a repeat prescription.

Instead, they can order it online or it is scheduled automatically on the required date. Additionally, they can get the prescription delivered to their preferred pharmacy or straight to their door.

Fewer errors

With a digital prescription platform, it minimises the risk of errors. As the patient does not have to go to the GP for their repeat prescription and physically take it to the pharmacy, it takes away the risk of lost or misplaced prescriptions.

Also, it removes the possibility of misinterpreted handwriting. E-prescription systems also minimise medication errors as they integrate with existing medical records.

Greater efficiency for private practice staff

By automating processes, there are fewer administrative processes to take care of, freeing up over 10 hours per week of clinic time.

Better stock optimisation

With electronic prescription, pharmacies can better manage inventory. This can save money and reduce waste.

How Can Private Practice Implement E-Prescriptions?

Switching to e-prescription software is actually easier than it may seem for private practices.

1. Choose a service

Choose an e-software platform that is guaranteed to maximise efficiency, reduce errors and enhance patient experience. Look for software that facilitates rapid issuing of prescriptions, automates processes like repeat prescriptions, and supports processes like prescribing Controlled Drugs.

You’ll want a software that is able to integrate with medical health records. If you want to enhance patient experience even further, you could choose an e-prescription platform that delivers medication to the patient’s door.

Finally, think about prices. Some e-prescription software, like Healistic, is totally free for private clinics - no set-up fee, no subscription fee.

2. Train staff to use e-prescription software

The next step will be training any staff in the private practice that will be using the e-prescription platform, making sure they’re clear on how it works.

3. Share with patients

Finally, you can share with patients of the clinic that you’ll be switching to digital and what it will mean for them. You can get them excited about the many benefits they’ll have including faster, more efficient service and significantly greater convenience.

Manage Repeat Prescriptions Efficiently with Healistic

For private practices looking to improve efficiency, Healistic can help.

Facilitating e-prescriptions in seconds, our software supports EHR integrations and automated repeat scripts so that prescriptions are fully streamlined.

The prescriptions are 100% GDPR and ICO compliant and we handle all patient support to free up clinic staff’s time even more. Contact us today to see how we can optimise your private practice.