NHS England Partners with CLEO Systems for Electronic Prescribing Solution
In a significant advancement for community healthcare, NHS England has entered into a contract with CLEO Systems to implement a stand-alone electronic prescribing solution. This initiative will be rolled out across pharmacies participating in the Independent Prescribing in Community Pharmacy Pathfinder Programme, marking a pivotal step in enhancing patient care and streamlining prescription processes.
The Pathfinder Programme: A New Era for Independent Prescribing
The Independent Prescribing in Community Pharmacy Pathfinder Programme aims to bolster independent prescribing capabilities for patients in primary care. This initiative is particularly timely, as it prepares for a transformative shift set to take place in September 2026, when all newly qualified pharmacists will be registered as independent prescribers. This programme is groundbreaking, being the first to provide national funding for pharmacists to utilize their independent prescribing qualifications, thereby expanding their role in patient care.
Up to 210 community pharmacy sites across 42 integrated care boards (ICBs) in England have volunteered to participate in this innovative programme. These pharmacies will be equipped to issue electronic prescriptions for minor illnesses using the CLEO SOLO electronic prescribing system (EPS), which promises to enhance the efficiency and safety of the prescribing process.
Diverse Clinical Models Approved by ICBs
The ICBs have approved 13 pathfinder clinical models that encompass a wide range of treatments. These include management of minor ailments, hypertension, respiratory issues, contraception, cardiovascular disease, dermatology, prescription management, antidepressant reviews, deprescribing, women’s health, long-term care management, anticoagulation, and sexual health. This diverse array of clinical models underscores the programme’s commitment to addressing various health needs within the community.
Collaboration Between NHS England and CLEO Systems
CLEO Systems has collaborated closely with NHS England to specify and rigorously test the electronic prescribing solution, including the clinical models that will be employed. Richard Burton, the commercial director at CLEO Systems, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to be working with NHS England, the ICBs, other system providers, and pharmacies on this significant programme.” He emphasized the potential of this project to enhance community pharmacy practices and improve patient experiences.
Benefits of the CLEO SOLO EPS
The CLEO SOLO EPS digitizes the process of creating FP10 prescriptions, which has shown to deliver numerous benefits in areas where it has already been implemented. Key advantages include an improved patient experience and the elimination of lost, stolen, or illegible prescriptions, which significantly enhances patient safety. By streamlining the prescribing process, the system aims to reduce administrative burdens on pharmacists, allowing them to focus more on patient care.
Recent Implementations and Future Prospects
In November 2023, CLEO SOLO EPS was successfully implemented at several NHS trusts, including Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, East London NHS Foundation Trust, and North East London NHS Foundation Trust. Additionally, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust began trialing the solution, showcasing the growing adoption of this innovative technology.
The latest development came in July 2024, when Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust went live with CLEO SOLO EPS, following the signing of a three-year contract. This expansion highlights the increasing recognition of the importance of electronic prescribing systems in enhancing healthcare delivery.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Modernizing Community Pharmacy
The partnership between NHS England and CLEO Systems represents a significant leap forward in the modernization of community pharmacy practices. By empowering pharmacists with the tools necessary for independent prescribing, the Pathfinder Programme not only enhances patient care but also prepares the healthcare system for a future where pharmacists play a more integral role in managing patient health. As this initiative unfolds, it promises to reshape the landscape of primary care, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.