NHS Isle of Wight
ScriptSwitch Reduces Prescribing Costs and Improves Patient Care
In order to reduce prescribing costs and improve patient care, the Isle of Wight NHS PCT introduced ScriptSwitch into all of its practices in 2007, as part of its Medicines Management Strategy.
Prior to the installation of ScriptSwitch, the Isle of Wight NHS PCT was 6.3% above the national average prescribing cost per patient and needed to identify a way to bring cost down but also improve prescribing quality at same time.
The Isle of Wight NHS PCT provides healthcare to its resident population of approximately 138,500 patients on the Isle of Wight. During holiday season the number of patients doubles, with the Island receiving approximately 2.8 million visitors each year.
Traditionally a PCT commissions care from a number of different hospitals and organisations and does not provide the majority of care itself. The Isle of Wight NHS PCT however is unique and as well as the commissioner, it is also the main provider of care.
In 2007 they undertook a project to introduce ScriptSwitch within all 17 of its practices, as part of its Medicines Management Strategy.
The Isle of Wight NHS PCT worked closely with ScriptSwitch to create a unique database of guidance specific to its local requirements, which included; Traffic Light drugs, Priority Brand to Generic, Specific Generic to Brand, Quality & Outcomes Framework objectives, Prescribing Incentive Scheme objectives, Local Prescribing Initiatives & Strategies and Localised Wording for Specific Switches.
“ScriptSwitch is an essential part of our Medicines Management strategy, not only have we seen significant cost savings but a turnaround performance in areas such as respiratory, through the support ScriptSwitch delivers to GPs at the point of prescribing" - Paul Jerram, Head of Medicines Management
The PCT needed to measure changes in prescribing practice, which was made possible due to the logging capabilities of the software. Sue Duffield, Best Value Project Manager was particularly impressed with the speed of information transmission:
“Our GP’s value the ability to receive current, flexible prescribing advice instantly. Recently we had a situation where ScriptSwitch was updated within 48 hours of a supply problem, providing a channel of communication superior to anything else.”The project has been a resounding success as Peter Jones explained:
“The software has delivered incredible results for us and it’s having a huge impact on issues faced locally, enabling the PCT to provide better patient care with significant, real time cost savings and the potential for further benefits in the future.”
> Download NHS Isle of Wight - Case Study |
