NPAnet, a secure intranet service for National Pharmaceutical Association members, is set to go live on February 14. Over the next few weeks, the NPA intends to send all its members a CD-ROM together with instructions to enable them to register on NPAnet. Alternatively, members can register by calling the NPAnet helpline on 020 8357 5757.
The NPA says that the free service is planned to deliver:
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NPA director John D'Arcy commented: "This is an exciting development for NPA members. The key benefit of NPAnet is that it is a protected network that can allow subscribers access to the internet and e-mail from their pharmacy, without having to worry about the security of their patient medication records. In a rapidly evolving electronic environment, NPAnet is the platform that will enable our members to take full advantage of emerging opportunities."
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 The NPAnet home page |
NPAnet will also include a direct link to the members-only pages of the NPA's existing website (www.npa.co.uk). These pages will continue to be available via the internet to NPA members who choose not to register for NPAnet.
NPAnet will be hosted by Intrapharm, which is part of the IMS Health network. NPAnet users will also have access to other Intrapharm services.
Similar pharmacy systems have already been launched by IMS Health in South Africa (www.pharmnet.co.za) and Australia (www.healthlinks.net.au).
Earlier this year, IMS Health established a collaborative agreement with the International Pharmacy Federation for the purpose of supporting community pharmacy initiatives.