The introduction of repeat dispensing for 600 patients in one general practice

Abstract

OBJECTIVES The aim was to survey the introduction of repeat dispensing in one general practice to discover any generalisable lessons. METHODS Serial repeat-prescribing workload (GPs and receptionists) surveys were performed each day for whole, non-holiday weeks five times in the year and a patient satisfaction survey was undertaken mid-way through the year. The opinions of the community pharmacist were sought and prescribing costs were checked at the start and end of the year. KEY FINDINGS There were substantial savings of time for the practice once the initial increases in effort had been overcome. These were estimated to be equivalent to a week saved annually for each general practitioner, as well as substantial amounts of staff time. CONCLUSIONS Repeat dispensing offers clear benefits to patients, practices and pharmacists. In this practice 45% of items were repeat-dispensed after one year, in comparison to less than 1% nationally. There is potential for the scheme to be much more actively promoted.