The NPA position paper “Community pharmacy access to patient care records” forms the basis of a communication sent this week to IT experts, including academics and health professionals who have been invited to give oral evidence to the committee enquiry in to the electronic patient care record. The NPA is keen to listen to the views and understand concerns of others outside of the pharmacy sector to pharmacist access to the care record and invites feedback to the Association.

Gareth Jones, NPA NHS Liaison manager said, “We recognise that the integrated care record proposal itself is not without controversy. The paper we have written tackles potential objections to pharmacist access including proper controls and who within the pharmacy team should have access to what data. We also describe the reasons why it is necessary for pharmacists to access patient records that are framed by improving patient safety.

The NPA’s position paper recommends community pharmacists have read and write access to patient care records. The reasons outlined include: benefits to patients, helping pharmacists fulfil required responsibilities under the new contract, benefits to other healthcare professionals, prevention of harm to patients and benefits to pharmacists.

The Association will be considering consultation with other stakeholders especially those who represent patients in advance of the public consultation on pharmacists’ access of electronic patient care records.

ENDS