What is DigiScripts?
This is an electronic system designed to allow for the more accurate, secure and timely filling of prescriptions as well as the submission of requests and retrieval of lab results (blood tests, x-rays, CT scans, etc.)
Why is there the need for it?
1. By leveraging technology and the use of heightened security, it will provide a controlled environment for the writing of scripts and the dissemination of requests and retrieval of test results
2. It will serve as a secure data base for patient records that will be easily accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
3. It will serve to address drug diversion linked to fraud and forgery by providing a high tech alternative to paper prescriiptions
What are the benefits to the Pharmacists?
The product will serve to eliminate the occurrence of several challenges that are faced in day to day practice, including but not limited to:
1. Incomplete drug request (route, dose, and/or frequency)
2. Corrections being made on the script, but not initialled/signed
3. Illegibility of handwriting / inability to discern the signature of the practitioner
4. Inability to discern one practitioner from another, where they share a common surname and/or first name, and no middle name or initial is given
5. No registration number being provided
6. No contact information (office and/or cell phone numbers) provided in the event that clarification is required with respect to the prescription in question
What are the benefits to the patients?
1. Shorter wait time for the processing of prescriptions and results from tests
2. Quicker start to the taking of medications and other remedial processes that may be required i.e. physiotherapy
3. They will better faster
4. Portability of confidential information
How secure is the system?
DigiScripts is a robust and secure electronic prescribing and health services platform which uses a highly secured system of encryption. Data from the system to the server is sent using 2048-bit encryption with extended validation of the site; servers are housed internationally, with first world level security measures in place; and financial information is stored on an independently, encrypted and insured system.
What have been the results of their implementation?
Several studies have demonstrated that this practice has been associated with a significant increase in safety and efficiency with respect to prescription medication dispensing.
How does it work?
1. Practitioners (medical doctors, as well as dentists and veterinarians) will have to register and provide all the information necessary for the processing of any prescription, lab and imaging tests, as well as all the information necessary for contacting the practitioner. Pharmacies, laboratories and imaging suites may also register for use of the database.
2. After registration, each user will have an account established which will only be accessible to them through the use of an encrypted authentication system, using their username and password and/or PIN (personal identification number).
3. Scripts can then be sent by physicians directly to the pharmacy, labs and imaging centres. Requests for tests and the results of those tests can also be sent by, and stored in, the system.
Bonus: Patient information is stored on a highly encrypted system and can be accessed 24 hours, 7 days a week.
What are the benefits to the Doctors?
1. Accurate and secure transmission of prescription data, test requests and results between physicians and pharmacists/labs/x-ray & CT scan centres
2. Drastic reduction in the time to receive test results, shorter time for patients to begin treatments, quicker start time for patients to begin taking their prescriptions and thus quicker improvement in the overall health of patients
3. Storage of and access to patient information on a highly secure platform
What are the benefits to Labs?
1. Improved service (ability to receive requests, book appointments and send results faster) which will build goodwill amongst clients/users
2. Reduction of the use of paper and other documented methods of reporting (e.g. use of CDs) and thus lower operational costs
3. Potential for elimination of courier fees for delivery of paper results
How soon will it be fully operational?
The system is already fully operational, and we are recruiting for pre-registration use and final testing.
Are there other systems like it?
This is the first such system to be made available in Jamaica. Similar systems exist in the USA, Canada, UK and Australia and have been successful in meeting similar objectives as those established by DigiScripts.
How do I sign up?
Users may go to our website (www.digiscripts.com) and use the links there to register.
Is there a cost to register?
This issue is currently being reviewed. For the Beta test period, practitioners who register will enjoy free access to the system for a 3-month period.