GPs and pharmacists using computer programmes to treat TB in Plaistow
Pharmacist Jignesh Patel from Rohpharm Pharmacy and GP Dr Farzana Hussein from the Project Surgery. Picture: EMIS Health - Credit: Archant
A GP and pharmacy in Plaistow are using computer software to treat TB patients.
Rohpharm Pharmacy and the Project Surgery have begun trialling EMIS Web for Pharmacy, a programme allowing pharmacists and GPs to share prescriptions digitally.
Pharmacists can view patient records and diagnosis before dispensing prescriptions and send patients for follow up GP appointments if necessary.
Farzana Hussein, a GP at Project Surgery, said: “It has been really revolutionary for my work. It has saved my practice up to two hours a week in admin, it helps the patients and it improves the working life of GPs.
“Patients are more honest with a pharmacist about whether or not they have taken their medication and the barriers they may be facing in complying with treatment.”
Newham has the highest rate of TB in the country, at seven times the national average. The software trialled for TB may later be rolled out for treating diabetes, HIV and hypertension.
