Electronic prescribing

Electronic Prescription, or ePrescribing, supports the safe and secure transfer of prescription information between a prescriber (doctor, specialist, dentist, optometrist, nurse practitioner) and a dispenser (pharmacist) using an electronic system known as a Prescription Exchange Service.

Electronic prescriptions are not mandatory. Individuals have a choice to receive either an electronic or a paper prescription (but not both).

The benefits include:

• improved safety and accuracy – reduces the risk of transcription errors, ensuring more accurate prescribing and dispensing of medicines.

• greater efficiency and accessibility – streamlines prescription management, enhances access to prescription records, and supports telehealth consultations.

• increased convenience and flexibility – provides individuals with more choice, eliminates the need for paper prescriptions and simplifies medication processes.

Electronic prescriptions are available nationally as a ‘token’ (sent to the individual via SMS or email) and/or can be added to an  Active Script List (ASL).  This process generates a unique token in the form of a QR code. The prescribing doctor will send individual a link with the QR code by email or SMS.

To generate an electronic prescription, healthcare providers will need the capability built into their clinical information system.

How electronic prescribing works using a 'token'

1. An individual requires a prescription and has chosen to receive it as an electronic prescription.
2. The prescriber issues the individual with an electronic prescription via SMS or email.
3. The individual shares their electronic prescription token with their preferred pharmacy.
4. The pharmacy scans the token to view the electronic prescription and dispense the medicine.
5. If the prescription has repeats, then a new token is sent to the individual via SMS or email by the pharmacy.

Active Script List (ASL)

An Active Script List (ASL) is a token management solution that contains an electronic list of an individual’s active prescriptions. Individuals can register for an ASL by visiting a pharmacy that is set up to offer this service.

The benefits include:

• a more convenient way to manage multiple medications

• individuals no longer need to keep track of SMS or email tokens, as this information will now be stored in a single, consolidated list.

Individuals can request the removal of a pharmacy’s access to or discontinue their Active Script List by emailing the ASL registry provider via info@medicationknowledge.com.au.