A high-level meeting of health organisations in Canberra has scoped the development of a robust, patient-centred e-prescribing system through a collaborative partnership between doctors and pharmacists.

The roundtable, hosted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, reaffirmed that e-prescribing of medications can provide substantial benefits to consumers through better medication management and reduced medication errors, as well improved communication between doctors, pharmacists and patients.

The meeting however, identified a range of issues which need to be addressed before e-prescribing could be routinely implemented. These include the interoperability of systems, clarification of questions related to data ownership, remuneration concerns, finalisation of technical and professional standards, security of systems and the safeguarding of consumer choice.

The PSA welcomed the opportunity to contribute through the NEHTA reference group, of which the RACGP is an existing member, and highlighted the need for a speedy introduction of e-prescribing, calling on the Government to commit to a firm date and supporting action plan for the implementation of e-Health for all Australians.

President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said the widespread implementation of e-prescribing would be a significant step forward to using technology to assist in the reform of Australia's health-care system.

"But it is essential that we get it right from the very beginning and so we must have in place the necessary standards as well as the technical and professional protocols to ensure its efficient and sustainable operation," he said.

Mr Plunkett also supported the significant enhancement of efficiency and accuracy in prescribing and dispensing to improve patient outcomes.

President of the RACGP, Chris Mitchell, said there were challenges to be addressed before e-health became a reality, including integration of currently used systems.

The roundtable made up of representatives from the Australian Medical Association, the National E-Health Transition Authority, the Consumers Hearth Forum, the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia, the Australian Association of Practice Managers, the PSA and the RACGP.

Sources
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners