Pharmabase

Community pharmacists everywhere have clinical interactions with patients every day; yet most of these interventions are never recorded anywhere. Perhaps this is because, unlike other health-care professionals, we have no need to so, and there's no incentive either - as we haven't got "registered patients."  As a consequence any data collected - as the result of an intervention - is sketchy at best (and localised in the pharmacy).

The LPC has been hoping for some time now that the PCT would see the light and invest in Pharmabase modules that would allow community pharmacists to make such records as they make their enhanced service claims. Such Pharmabase modules will allow contractors to record details of transactions efficiently on their computer systems; and as a consequencecollect data based on these interactions for use by the PSNC, and the LPC, to develop and maintain services. In addition, perhaps more importantly to contractors - this simple form of recording will make it easier to claim the fee for providing the service - cutting out most of the laborious paperwork (and posting) associated with making the claim. 

It was most encouraging, then,  to get an agreement from the PCT at last month's LPC meeting, such that they will invest in pharmabase allowing pharmacists to make EHC claims and Methadone supervision claims. We have a agreed a 6 month window to allow pharmacists to gradually adapt procedures, and ways of working, to facilitate a smooth transition to this paperless system of claims - as the LPC recognises that this will take time. Hopefully this is the thin end of the wedge, and over time we will migrate over to an electronic solution for all local enhanced service claims taking some of the stress out of paper claims?

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