The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7284 p110
31 January 2004

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Emis online (www.emis-online.com)

GP software problems could hamper repeat dispensing

Problems with the EMIS software used by most GPs in England could hamper the roll out of the second wave of repeat dispensing pilots.

The Department of Health placed a list of 43 primary care trusts, which are to make up the 40 pathfinder areas for the second wave, on its website earlier this month. However, EMIS is holding back from distributing further repeat dispensing upgrades to its GP software. Software problems were the main reason why the first wave of repeat dispensing pilots were slow to get started (PJ, 8 November 2003, p640). For repeat dispensing, a repeatable master prescription has to be produced along with batch prescriptions to be held in the pharmacy for later dispensing.

Carole Davis, marketing manager for EMIS, told The Journal: “EMIS has rolled out the pilot repeat dispensing software to approximately 200 sites as part of the first wave. EMIS has received some concerns from users as to potential safety issues with the repeat dispensing process. We are in positive discussions with the DoH concerning these issues and have held back further distribution of the software until these are resolved.” She added that EMIS does now have a working repeat dispensing software module.

A spokesman for the Department of Health told The Journal that EMIS, and three other GP software suppliers, received money from the Department to develop repeat dispensing programs for the first-wave sites.

“We are committed to repeat dispensing, which has been shown to improve convenience for patients in collecting their medicines and to reduce waste,” he added.

EMIS is also reported to have said that it will not become a subcontractor to the National Programme for IT for the NHS in England. EMIS holds around 55 per cent of the market for GP software in England. Ms Davis said that the decisions on the NPfIT and repeat dispensing were not linked.