Automatic records updates from pharmacies to GPs to be phased in from next week

An IT functionality that will enable pharmacists to send automatic updates into GP records will be rolled out in a ‘phased’ manner from next week.

The GP Connect functionality which will enable pharmacists to add to GP records with ‘one click’ was originally due to be live in time for the Pharmacy First launch on 31 January, but was delayed multiple times.

During this time, GPs have received updates on consultations via NHSmail or hard copy, which they have had to manually add to patient records.

Now NHS England has said that the new functionality, which will provide practices ‘with structured information’ about pharmacy consultations for blood pressure checks, contraception and Pharmacy First consultations ‘will begin a phased roll out next week’.

GP practices will see a gradual increase in messages as pharmacy systems go live.

‘Practice staff will no longer have to manually manage this information via NHSmail; data will go straight into the workflow and can be automatically filed or viewed and filed with a single click,’ the commissioner said in a bulletin today.

Pulse has asked NHS England when the functionality is expected to be fully operational but the commissioner is yet to respond.

NHSE added that the service ‘will reduce burden and improve patient safety’ by minimising the number of times information is inputted and showing relevant information more quickly in the Summary Care Record.

A TPP spokesperson told Pulse that during the roll-out it is not expected for high volumes of messages to be received by practices through this mechanism.

They said: ‘Over the coming weeks we expect pharmacy systems to start to send structured updates back to the patient’s registered GP practice, with message volumes increasing depending on pharmacy system readiness.

‘It means that whilst all SystmOne GP practices will have the ability to receive the new structured update messages, we are not expecting high volumes of messages to be received through this mechanism initially.

‘Practices who choose to disable the functionality should be aware that consultation summaries will continue to be sent using NHS mail.’

GP practices started referring patients to community pharmacies for seven common conditions – including sore throats, uncomplicated UTIs and ear infections – as Pharmacy First launched at the end of January.

As the scheme launched a number of GPs were sceptical and raised concerns, including some pharmacies reportedly directing patients back to general practice due to capacity issues or due to lacking necessary skills or equipment.

Earlier this week pharmacy leaders claimed Pharmacy First could free up more than 30 million GP appointments a year within two years.