While the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) offers a convenient way to issue prescriptions directly to a patient's nominated pharmacy, there are certain situations where an NHS Printed Script (FP10) is necessary.
When to Use NHS Printed Script (FP10)
- Controlled Drugs:** Prescriptions for certain controlled drugs may necessitate a printed FP10 to comply with legal and governance requirements.
- Non-EPS Patients:** If a patient is not registered or unable to access EPS, a printed script may be the only option for dispensing their medication.
- Technical Issues:** In cases where there are technical issues with EPS or the electronic system, reverting to a printed script ensures patients receive necessary medication without delay.
Using FP10s can be crucial for providing a backup method of dispensing medication, ensuring no interruption in patient care if EPS services are inaccessible.
It's important for healthcare providers to understand both EPS and FP10 processes to ensure seamless prescription handling. When a printed script is used, it must be manually signed by the prescriber, ensuring compliance with NHS regulations.
For practices looking to improve patient accessibility and streamline prescription management, consider integrating complementary services such as Hero Health's online booking and individual messaging features.