The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7196 p624-625
4 May 2002

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Health Services Research and Pharmacy Practice summary

Pharmacists unsure about ETP benefits

Pharmacists in the first wave of electronic prescription (ETP) pilots can see benefits for others but are unsure what to expect for themselves.

Sharon Phul and colleagues (Manchester University) sent a postal questionnaire to the 77 pharmacies taking part in the first wave and 64 pharmacists responded. Around half thought ETP would save GP time and cut patient waiting time in the pharmacy, but a third did not think it would save their own time. Many were unsure how ETP would affect them. A substantial minority (42 per cent) hoped ETP would help spread the dispensing load more evenly across the day.