The evaluation of the electronic prescription service in primary care: interim report on the findings from the evaluation in early implementer sites

This report provides and interim account of some aspects of research undertaken in to the adoptions and use of the electronic prescription service (EPS) in England. The role of EPS is a fundamentally simple one. It allows the transmission of prescription messages and digitally-signed prescriptions from primary care prescribers, via a central network and server infrastructure, the Spine, from where they can be downloaded by dispensing contractors including community pharmacists, dispensing appliance contractors and dispensing doctors. Prescriptions are then subsequently passed on electronically to NHS Prescription Services for reimbursement. The findings reported are concentrated here the findings from the early stages of implementation in which GP practices and community pharmacies were paired for initial pilot testing. Attitudes and experience of patients, GPs practice staff and community pharmacists are reported and the benefits of the service are assessed as well as its prospects for future development.