The most noticeable change to overall workflow when ePrescribing is enabled is that you will need to log in or identify yourself when using various functions and moving around the system, to satisfy security and auditing requirements. Selecting suitable staff roles and password behaviour can minimise the impact on your pharmacy. Click ePrescribing, and Password Settings for further details. If you want to watch the training video on how to dispense an ePrescription, click Watch Video.
The actual dispensing process for paperless ePrescriptions is very similar to the dispensing process for the paper‑based eScripts you are familiar with. The main differences are that:
- More information is displayed in the eScript panel, which takes the place of the printed prescription and repeat form.
- The eScript panel is displayed when editing and when checking scripts, instead of only when dispensing, so that you can refer to the prescription details during these processes.
- Repeats are sent electronically with the delivery address being confirmed during the dispensing workflow, instead of a repeat form being printed.
To dispense a paperless ePrescription:
1. Scan the barcode or token, as you would for a paper‑based eScript. You can do this from any main screen or Organiser.
You can also type the barcode or token into the Patient field on the main Dispense screen.
2. The ePrescription is downloaded and displayed in the eScript panel on the left side of the screen.
Details that can be set automatically from the ePrescription are applied, and the first field that needs user confirmation is focused. If all fields can be set from the ePrescription, the Directions field is focused as this needs updating relatively frequently.
3. Check the details on the Dispense panel against those shown in the eScript panel, entering any values that could not be set automatically.
As you move from field to field, the corresponding value in the eScript panel is highlighted with a blue border.
4. If you wish to record an annotation:
- In the eScript panel, click the + button on the Annotations header bar.
- Type the annotation into the pop‑up displayed, then choose OK.
5. When all script details have been entered and checked, choose Dispense.
6. If further supplies are available, the Next eScript Delivery screen is shown.
This screen lists the electronic address or addresses that apply to the ePrescription, with the default address listed first.
7. At the Next eScript Delivery screen, do one of the following:
- If the electronic token for the next repeat is to be sent to the highlighted address, press Enter or choose OK.
- If it is to be sent to a different listed address, use Up and Down to select the required address, then press Enter or choose OK.
- If it is to be sent to an address that is not listed, type the address – an email address or a mobile phone number – then press Enter or choose OK.
If you would like a printed copy of the electronic token, tick the Print next token too checkbox.
The script is saved to the pharmacy database and uploaded to the Prescription Delivery Service (PDS).
Also see Dispensed Screen for information on the changes that happen to the Dispensed Screen when dispensing paperless ePrescriptions.
TIP
The keyboard shortcut for toggling alerts visibility is Alt+` (i.e. Alt plus the backquote, which immediately to the left of the number 1 on the main keyboard).
This is useful when there are alerts for an ePrescription’s patient, prescriber or drug, but you want to see the full the eScript panel.
