What is a repeat prescription?
A standard repeat prescription is an authorization from a doctor or other qualified prescriber for a patient to receive a specific medication regularly over a period of time without needing a consultation for each individual refill. It is the traditional method for managing long-term medication needs. The process typically involves the patient initiating a request for a new prescription from their GP surgery each time they are running low on medication.
This can be done in several ways:
- Submitting a request: Using the tear-off slip from a previous prescription and dropping it off at the GP surgery.
- Online services: Using online platforms, such as the NHS App, to request a new prescription.
- Phone call: In some cases, patients may request a repeat via telephone.
Once the request is received, the GP surgery processes it and sends the new prescription to the patient's nominated pharmacy electronically. This process requires interaction with the GP's office for every single refill, which can be time-consuming for both the patient and the healthcare staff. A repeat prescription generally has a limited number of repeats or a specific expiry date, after which a fresh authorization and, often, a medication review with a clinician are required.
What is repeat dispensing?
Repeat dispensing is a more streamlined system, often electronic, designed for patients with stable, long-term medication needs. Instead of the patient contacting the GP for every refill, the GP issues a batch of prescriptions for a specified period, often up to a year, with a single digital signature. This batch is then stored securely on the NHS database (the Spine) and is automatically sent to the patient's nominated pharmacy at predetermined intervals. This system is known as Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD).
The process works as follows:
- Initial setup: A patient and their GP agree that repeat dispensing is appropriate for their stable, long-term medication.
- GP authorization: The GP issues a batch of prescriptions for a set number of months (e.g., 6 or 12 months) and electronically sends it to the patient's nominated pharmacy.
- Regular collection: The patient visits their nominated pharmacy at the correct intervals to collect their medication.
- Pharmacist check: Before each supply is issued, the pharmacist checks that the patient still needs the medication and that there have been no changes to their health or treatment plan.
- Review notification: When the last prescription in the batch is dispensed, the pharmacy informs the patient that they need to contact their GP for a new review and authorization.
Key differences and benefits
The fundamental difference lies in who initiates the refill and how often. With a standard repeat prescription, the patient must actively request each refill from their GP. With repeat dispensing, the process is initiated once by the GP for a set period, and subsequent refills are managed directly between the patient and their nominated pharmacy.
This distinction provides significant benefits, especially with the widespread adoption of Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD), which has replaced older, paper-based systems. For patients, eRD offers convenience and a reduced risk of running out of medication. It also saves time for both patients and GP practices by reducing the number of administrative requests and freeing up appointment slots. Pharmacists also benefit from improved workflow and stock control.
Here are some of the key differences in a table format:
| Feature | Repeat Prescription | Repeat Dispensing (eRD) |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation of Refill | Patient contacts the GP surgery for each new supply. | GP authorizes a batch of prescriptions upfront for a set period. |
| GP Involvement | Required for each individual refill. | Only required for the initial batch authorization and periodic clinical reviews. |
| Process Flow | Patient > GP Surgery > Pharmacy > Patient. | Patient > GP Surgery (initial) > Nominated Pharmacy > Patient (for each refill). |
| Patient Action | Must remember to re-order each time they need a new supply. | Visits the pharmacy at set intervals without re-ordering from the GP. |
| Clinical Review | Triggered when the prescription expires or at the discretion of the GP. | Triggered at the end of the batch, often after up to a year of supplies. |
| Flexibility | Less flexible regarding collection and pharmacy changes between refills. | Allows for changing nominated pharmacies and potentially collecting early refills (e.g., for holidays). |
Important considerations for patients
While repeat dispensing is often more convenient, it's not suitable for everyone. Patients whose medication needs are unstable or likely to change should stick with standard repeat prescriptions to ensure their treatment is closely monitored. Before moving to an eRD service, a patient should discuss their situation with their GP or pharmacist to ensure it is clinically appropriate.
Similarly, it is the patient's responsibility to manage their medication and inform their pharmacist of any changes. The pharmacist's check before each dispense is a vital safety step that ensures the medication remains appropriate. If a patient's circumstances change, or they stop taking an item, they should inform their pharmacist so that unnecessary or incorrect supplies are not issued, helping to reduce waste.
Conclusion
For patients with stable, long-term medication requirements, the difference between repeat dispensing and repeat prescription is significant. Repeat dispensing, particularly the electronic version (eRD), offers a more efficient and convenient method by reducing the need for constant contact with the GP surgery for refills. Conversely, the traditional repeat prescription provides greater oversight for patients whose medication regimen may need more frequent adjustments. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual patient needs and the clinical assessment of their prescriber, but understanding the options can empower patients to take a more proactive role in managing their health effectively.
For more information
For further guidance on managing your prescriptions, consider visiting the NHS website for help and support with prescriptions.
