AAH launches ‘onestopshop’ ETP solution

AAH Pharmaceuticals has announced the launch of its ‘onestopshop’ Electronic Prescription Service solution, an all-inclusive solution based on its LinkEvolution system and building on experience gained from initial ETP implementations.

According to AAH the new solution is both user friendly and meets the required criteria for NHS Connecting for Health’s (CfH) ETP release one.

So far the system has been implemented in five sites, including the first two initial ETP pilots in Keighley and Croydon, and is currently processing thousands of electronic prescriptions every week.

Geoff Mackay, AAH’s customer technology controller, told EHI Primary Care the company would now install the new system at sites across England. "My aim is to get all 1900 English sites onto ETP version one as soon as possible."

"The target is to have all 1900 sites up and running by March 2006," said Mackay.

He described release one of ETP as "simple but effective" technology, that is about getting the infrastructure right. "Release one has a lot of relevance because it is pulling data from the spine," said Mackay.

AAH is currently working on release two of ETP and plans to begin testing the software to support this in the first quarter of 2006

The initial ETP solution has been launched following the publication last week of details of the new pharmacy contract IT/Electronic Transfer of Prescriptions allowance.

AAH’s ETP software – called LinkEvolution Version 8 – has been through CfH’s famously tough sandpit test environment and received accreditation for it to be used in any pharmacy, and to enable it to be connected to the NHS Spine.

The company stresses that implementing ETP system in a pharmacy is complex, requiring some 30 to 40 steps, depending on the IT system already in place. AAH says that by its onestopshop solution is designed to simplify ETP implementation.

Based on AAH’s LinkEvolution system, the ETP solution has been designed to be as intuitive as possible. The company claims that pharmacists at the initial ETP sites have been able to be up and running extremely quickly using the new system.

“Because ETP involves so many different connections, pharmacists need a partner who will handle everything for them, so they can concentrate on caring for their patients,” said Mackay.

Mackay added: “The timetable for ETP implementation is very tight, and pharmacists need to begin planning now to ensure they are ready in time and avoid a sudden rush for equipment, software and connections.”

“The Government has made it clear that service delivery is where the money will be in the future,” said Steve Dunn, AAH group managing director. “To create time for these opportunities, pharmacists need to adopt technology and use it effectively.”

AAH says its LinkEvolution system is designed to enable new functionality to be added in the future. It includes an implementation of the Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d) so that diverse clinical systems can exchange information safely and reliably.

The new release also includes an ‘intervention engine’ and a Medicine Use Review ‘wizard’ that will enable pharmacists to easily enter electronic data during face-to-face consultations, and record it in accordance with clinical governance and new contract requirements.

AAH says it will be shortly contacting all existing LINK users and outlining the details of its deployment approach.