ERx reaches ‘critical mass’

ERX Script Exchange has recorded a milestone this month, achieving 2 billion clinical records while also delivering most electronic prescriptions in under one second.

Fred IT Group gm of eHealth David Freemantle said the landmark achievement showed the “significant progression of eHealth in Australia” over recent years, as well as delivering the tangible benefit of safer and more efficient dispensing to pharmacists and their patients across Australia.

Speed and reliability continues to improve, with 99% of all scripts now delivered in less than 3 seconds, and 90% delivered in under one second - a significant improvement on the figure of 60% twelve months ago.

Freemantle said reaching 2 billion records also paved the way for services that have the ability to break down the “medication data silos” prevalent across the health sector, enabling health practitioners to make more informed decisions.

With patient consent and appropriate security checks, patient medicines information can extend clinical decision making with lifesaving potential, Freemantle added.

Examples of applications include MedView Medicines List, a consolidated medication history currently being used in two hospitals in Victoria, and the SafeScript real time monitoring system being implemented by Fred on behalf of the Victorian Department of Human Services.