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A new initiative will allow three community pharmacies to access relevant information from a patient’s health record when it is needed to support their care.
Matt Johnson, Superintendent Pharmacist at LV Pharmacy, answers some of the most common questions about how the pilot will work, when information can be accessed and how patient confidentiality will be protected.
Will pharmacists access my GP record?
Access to your GP record will only be used when it is needed to support your care. This may be particularly helpful when information is not available from a prescription alone or when a pharmacist needs additional information to make safe decisions about medicines and treatment.
Will my pharmacist look at my record every time I visit?
No. Pharmacists do not need to access a patient’s health record simply because they have visited the pharmacy.
Information should only be accessed when there is a clear clinical reason for doing so and when it is relevant to the care being provided. Pharmacies can already obtain information from GP surgeries when needed, but digital access can improve the speed, accuracy and efficiency of that communication.
How will my information be kept safe?
Patient confidentiality is fundamental to pharmacy practice. Pharmacists already work within strict professional, legal and information governance requirements.
Access to information through EMIS will be controlled and can only be used for legitimate purposes connected with providing patient care.
Who can access my information and how is access monitored?
Only authorised members of the pharmacy team will be able to access the system in line with the arrangements established for the pilot.
All access is auditable, meaning there is a record of who has accessed information and when.
Why are only three pharmacies involved in the pilot?
Starting with three pharmacies allows the new approach to be introduced carefully and evaluated in a real community pharmacy setting before any decisions are made about wider implementation.
The initiative is not simply about testing the technology. It will help us understand how improved access to information affects patient care, pharmacy services and communication across primary care in Jersey.
What do you hope the initiative will achieve?
The aim is to support a more connected healthcare system that works better for patients.
Patients should not have to repeatedly explain their medical history or act as the link between different parts of the health service. As pharmacists take on a greater role in supporting people with medicines and health advice, appropriate access to relevant clinical information can help them provide safer, more effective care.
This pilot is an important step towards a better-connected health service, improving communication between healthcare professionals and helping to deliver higher-quality care for Islanders.
For more information on the initiative:
- Visit our webpage at gov.je/ConnectedPharmacies
- Speak to your pharmacy team