Benefits of the NHS Electronic Prescription Service

This report outlines the benefits of the NHS England Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), which enables prescribers to send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies. The document details how EPS improves patient safety by reducing prescription errors, with evidence showing a 15% relative reduction in error rates compared to traditional prescriptions. It also highlights improved workflow efficiency for pharmacies and general practices, noting that pharmacy staff can save up to 12 minutes per 100 prescriptions. Furthermore, the report discusses greater patient convenience, with 80% of surveyed patients expressing satisfaction with the service, and enhanced repeat prescribing processes that are completed 20% faster. Additionally, EPS is associated with significant cost savings for the NHS, estimated at £130 million per year. The findings support the continued rollout and optimization of EPS within the healthcare system.