NPA opens debate on access to electronic NHS care records for community pharmacists
Access to electronic records is needed |
The case for community pharmacists to have “read and write” access to electronic NHS care records is set out in a National
Pharmacy Association position statement this week.
The NPA hopes that the statement will stimulate debate among other pharmacy
bodies, health care professionals and the public so that a consensus
can be reached. John D’Arcy, the NPA’s chief executive, commented: “It
is time for the profession to make the case for access, to patients and
the public as well as other health care professionals and the Government.
Electronic care record pilots are due to start this year, we cannot afford
to be left behind.”
The document argues that access to electronic records is necessary for
pharmacists to carry out their responsibilities under the new contract
and gives scenarios to illustrate this. It says that access will prevent
harm to patients and bring benefits for patients, pharmacists and other
health care professionals.
“Patients often see their pharmacist more frequently than any other
health care professional, which means that the pharmacist is able to
add the
most up-to-date information to the shared care record to support the
care provided by other health care professionals,” says the statement.
The statement also addresses potential objections to pharmacists having
access to NHS records, such as a belief that access beyond patient medication
records is not required and concerns about maintaining patient confidentiality
in a shop environment. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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