The Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) has launched a new prescription transcribing and dispensing application, incorporating First DataBank Europe’s (FDBE) Multilex Drug Data File.
The application will enable Gibraltar’s public GP clinics and pharmacies to store and share patient medication information in a central web-based system.
Using a combination of unique prescription IDs and unique patient IDs – issued as part of the combined Gibraltar National Health Card and European Health Insurance Card (E111) they carry on them – the application will provide a safe and secure means of dispensing.
The GP transcribes the prescription which, once allocated a unique reference number, is electronically sent to a central system. The patient can then take their prescription to the most convenient pharmacy for dispensing.
Speaking at Healthcare Computing, an FDBE spokesperson told E-Health Europe: “The system will improve communications between healthcare professionals, reduce dispensing time and facilitate reimbursement for prescription charges.”
Joey Gabay, deputy director of operational developments and IM&T at GHA, added: “The Gibraltar Health Authority has a strong mandate and commitment from the Government of Gibraltar to embrace technology as a means of delivering, safe, efficient and effective care to our patients.
“Our partnership with First DataBank Europe has helped us move closer to our goal of having a safe, structured, patient centred clinical information system.”
Using the FDBE system, the prescription information can be retrieved securely by the pharmacist using this ID, along with the unique prescription number printed on the paper prescription.
Initially the system will be accessible to all GHA GPs and pharmacists in Gibraltar via the internet.
Dr David McCutcheon, GHA’s chief executive, said: “This application facilitates the introduction of our new primary care strategy and will be invaluable in the safe management of people with chronic disease.”
David Flavell, managing director of FDBE, said: “This project has provided FDBE with an excellent opportunity to work in partnership with the Gibraltar Health Authority. We fully support their aim to improve patient care and safety.”
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