What is Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD)?
Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) is an NHS service designed to simplify the process of obtaining repeat prescriptions for patients with long-term conditions. Instead of requiring a new prescription each time, a GP or clinical prescriber can authorize a batch of repeat prescriptions at once. These are securely stored on an NHS database called the 'Spine' and are automatically sent to the patient's chosen pharmacy at set times. This system is integrated with the NHS Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) and aims to reduce administrative tasks for GP practices while improving convenience for patients who don't need to contact their surgery for every repeat.
How the eRD System Works
The eRD process begins when a prescriber determines a patient is suitable for the service, typically if they are on a stable, long-term medication plan. The prescriber then authorizes a batch of electronic repeat prescriptions, which can cover up to a year.
The key steps are:
- Authorization: The prescriber creates a batch of electronic prescriptions specifying the medication, dose, and dispensing intervals.
- Secure Storage: The batch is sent digitally and stored securely on the NHS 'Spine'.
- Pharmacy Notification: The patient's nominated pharmacy is alerted about the eRD batch and when each prescription issue is due.
- Automatic Download: The pharmacy's system automatically downloads the next prescription from the Spine about seven days before it's needed.
- Dispensing: The pharmacy prepares the medication. Some pharmacies offer notifications when it's ready.
- Medication Review: Before the last prescription in the batch, the pharmacy prompts the patient to contact their GP for a review to assess their health and medication needs before a new eRD batch is started.
Who is Eligible for eRD?
eRD is suitable for patients with stable medical conditions on consistent, long-term medication. Key eligibility factors include being on stable medication for at least 6-12 months with no recent changes, having predictable dosing, up-to-date monitoring, and a recent medication review.
Medications generally not suitable for eRD include Controlled Drugs, those requiring close monitoring, and unlicensed medicines. Patients with complex or newly diagnosed conditions are also typically excluded.
The Benefits of Using eRD Medication
eRD offers numerous benefits for patients and the healthcare system:
For Patients
- Increased convenience as there is no need to order repeat prescriptions each time.
- Saves time, with medication often prepared in advance by the pharmacy.
- Flexibility for early collection if needed, after a pharmacist assessment.
- Reduced risk of running out of essential medication.
For GP Practices
- Lower administrative workload from processing fewer repeat requests.
- Improved efficiency and availability of staff for other patient needs.
- Ensured regular medication reviews for patients on eRD.
For Community Pharmacies
- More efficient prescription processing and better stock management due to automated downloads.
- Greater opportunity for patient consultations during dispensing.
- Reduced medicine waste by confirming needed items with patients before dispensing.
eRD vs. Traditional Repeat Prescriptions
Here is a comparison highlighting the differences between eRD and the standard repeat prescription process:
| Feature | Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) | Standard Repeat Prescription |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription Process | A single batch of prescriptions (up to 12 months) is authorized with one digital signature. | Prescriptions are typically authorized individually, often monthly. |
| Patient Action Required | Patient collects medication from their nominated pharmacy at set times. | Patient must request a repeat prescription from their GP surgery each time. |
| GP Practice Involvement | Minimal daily administration after the initial batch is authorized. | Requires frequent processing of individual repeat requests. |
| Security and Storage | Prescriptions are stored securely on the NHS 'Spine' until they are needed. | Prescriptions are sent electronically or issued as paper copies individually. |
| Medication Review | Built-in reminders for reviews initiated by the pharmacy before the batch ends. | Dependent on the patient scheduling a review appointment. |
Conclusion
eRD represents a significant step forward in managing repeat prescriptions for patients with stable, long-term conditions. By automating the process, it offers enhanced convenience for patients, reduces workload for healthcare providers, and improves overall efficiency within the NHS. While not suitable for all medications, eRD is a crucial tool for optimizing medication management, minimizing the risk of patients running out of necessary drugs, and facilitating better communication between patients and their healthcare teams. It allows both patients and professionals to focus more on clinical care rather than administrative tasks. For comprehensive details, refer to the official NHS guidance on eRD.
You can find more information about the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) on the NHS England website.
