PHARMACISTS and prescribers in Queensland will have access to a real-time prescription monitoring (RTPM) system before the end of this year, Queensland Health revealed.
The new system, dubbed QScript, will be developed by pharmacy software provider, Fred IT, which also developed Victoria's SafeScript RTPM platform.
The development of QScript followed the passage of the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 (PD 19 Sep 2019), and its use with be mandated to monitor the prescribing and dispensing of all Schedule 8 (S8) products and several S4 medications including benzodiazephines, codeine, pregabalin, tramadol, gabapentin, quetiapine, zolpidem and zopiclone.
A spokesperson for Queensland Health told Pharmacy Daily QScript would be available to prescribers and pharmacists in the state in the second half of the year.
"Queensland Health is always looking for ways to innovate and make care safer, smarter and more efficient for all Queenslanders," the spokesperson said.
"Real-time prescription monitoring will give prescribers and pharmacists the tools they need to make safe decisions when prescribing certain high-risk prescription medications.
"QScript will be able to be accessed by prescribers, pharmacists and dispensing medical practitioners during a consultation with a patient."
Earlier this month Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt, said moves were underway to deliver a nationally integrated RTPM by the second half of the year (PD 10 Feb).
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