ACT prescribers and pharmacists will soon have access to a new and improved real time prescription monitoring service.
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the new system, which is rolling out to early adopter sites later this year, will help reduce pharmaceutical harm in the community.
"Australia has a growing problem with the misuse and abuse of pharmaceuticals. This can have a devastating impact on individuals and their families.
"Canberra Script will give ACT doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacists a better view of what their consumers are using. This supports practitioners to provide safe care for ACT residents," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Canberra Script will include real time alerts and notifications through compatible medical and pharmacy software where patients may be exhibiting signs of drug-seeking behaviour such as 'doctor shopping'.
The system will replace the existing DAPIS Online Remote Access (DORA) real time prescription monitoring system (RTPM). Canberra Script forms part of the national RTPM system being implemented across Australia. Each jurisdiction will implement their own local version of the national RTPM system with core features and functionality to enable national consistency.
Canberra Script is not intended to disadvantage consumers where there is a legitimate clinical need for a medicine and where a prescriber is authorised to prescribe a medicine for them.
"Canberra Script provides a much better user experience for prescribers and pharmacists; it gives practitioners access to a new RTPM system that has improved functionality and features. Useability has been key in the development of this new system, delivering an interface that is easier to understand and use," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
The ACT Health Directorate is working with the Australian Government and other partners to make the system available for early adopter pilot sites in 2021, before rolling it out to all providers in early 2022.
"We have begun engaging with practitioners across the ACT to inform them of the new system, its benefits and key features.
"Working directly with practitioners and representative groups and seeking their feedback on the system now, we aim to deliver a system across the ACT that all health practitioners who prescribe or dispense monitored medicines will want to use.
"Canberra Script is one way we can reduce harm from drug use. The ACT Government is committed to investing in evidence based and practice-informed harm minimisation responses to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
"We will continue to work with healthcare providers and community organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of all Canberrans," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
