Pharmacy Engaging With EPS Despite Challenges, UK

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 24 Apr 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Community pharmacy is working to engage with EPS, despite a number of challenges, according to the results of a joint PSNC/NPA telephone survey of contractors. Approximately 80% of respondents were EPS Release 1 enabled, and 56% of enabled contractors surveyed are scanning some or all of the barcoded prescriptions received.

It is clear from the results that some pharmacies have got the EPS system working for them and are incorporating it into their normal practice. A quarter of those using the service reported operational benefits whilst using EPS, with 26% finding that the dispensing process is the same speed or quicker using EPS. A commonly reported benefit was the efficient processing of prescriptions for new patients, not previously listed on the pharmacy PMR. 11% of enabled pharmacies surveyed reported scanning every barcoded script.

It was also evident that many pharmacies are experiencing problems with EPS. Whilst some pharmacies reported consistent download speeds of under 5 seconds, 72% of enabled pharmacy respondents reported an average prescription download time over 20 seconds. Other common problems reported included:

- Barcodes are often too faint to scan
- Delays in logging in with smartcards
- Dosage instructions need to be edited slowing the process
- Lack of training from suppliers
- Lack of support from PCTs including delays in authorising the EPS ongoing allowance

Low usage of the service by GPs was also raised as a problem (64% reported that fewer than 1 in 5 prescriptions received was generated using EPS). This stops pharmacies building up experience with EPS and fully testing the system's capability.

PSNC & the NPA are working jointly with NHS Connecting for Health to produce a problem-solving guide to help pharmacists deal with common issues that are arising.

We are continuing to urge all pharmacy contractors, if they have not already done so, to contact their chosen system supplier and make arrangements to upgrade to EPS Release 1. Once enabled, pharmacy staff should use the EPS service to dispense prescriptions where practical to ensure that any problems with the system are identified and can be resolved before EPS becomes business critical in EPS Release 2.

Gareth Jones, NHS Liaison Manager, NPA said, "The results of the survey suggest that EPS can be made to work. Where problems are identified, it is essential that pharmacies take time to report these to their suppliers so that problems can be investigated and solutions found. If a problem is not resolved in a timely manner, the pharmacy contractor should provide full details including the helpdesk reference to their PCT EPS lead who can escalate this to CFH."

Lindsay McClure, Head of Information Services, PSNC said, "The results showed differences between pharmacy systems in terms of download speeds and perceived levels of customer support. Almost 50% of the EPS enabled pharmacies surveyed felt that there would have been more benefits with EPS if their supplier had configured the system in a different way. It is essential that pharmacy contractors are providing feedback to suppliers, not only on problems, but also with preferences around system design."

Notes

1. The telephone survey was conducted during January and February 2008. A random sample of 365 pharmacies in England were contacted. Questions were only asked to permanent staff or long-term locum staff.

2. The full results have been shared with NHS Connecting for Health, the Department of Health and the relevant system suppliers.

National Pharmacy Association