Acute / Repeat Prescription Requests

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Clinical Terms
A system for managing one-off (acute) and ongoing (repeat) medication requests within primary care networks to ensure efficient patient care.

How to manage Acute / Repeat Prescription Requests in primary care

What is ?

Acute and repeat prescription requests are two distinct medication ordering systems within the NHS primary care framework. Acute prescriptions are one-time medications for short-term conditions, while repeat prescriptions are regular medications for chronic conditions that patients can request without seeing a GP each time. Primary Care Networks manage these requests through standardised protocols and electronic systems, helping to streamline workload, ensure patient safety, and maintain continuity of care across multiple practices.

Acute / Repeat Prescription Requests Best Practices

What is ?

  • Implement a clear electronic system for distinguishing between acute and repeat requests
  • Establish clinical review protocols for repeat prescriptions at appropriate intervals
  • Ensure dedicated pharmacy team involvement in prescription processing
  • Create standardised procedures for handling urgent requests across the network
  • Regularly audit prescription patterns to identify opportunities for medication optimisation

Use Acute / Repeat Prescription Requests in a Sentence

What is ?

  1. The Primary Care Network has implemented a centralised hub for managing acute and repeat prescription requests to reduce GP workload.
  2. Patients can now submit their repeat prescription requests through the NHS app, which is then processed by the PCN pharmacy team.
  3. The clinical pharmacist reviews all acute prescription requests that fall outside standard protocols before they reach the GP.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Acute / Repeat Prescription Requests

What does Acute / Repeat Prescription Requests mean?

Acute/Repeat Prescription Requests refer to the two main types of medication requests in UK primary care. Acute prescriptions are one-off medications for short-term conditions, while repeat prescriptions are regular medications for ongoing conditions that can be requested without seeing a GP each time. Primary Care Networks have systems to manage both types efficiently.

How do patients submit acute or repeat prescription requests to their PCN?

Patients can submit prescription requests through multiple channels including: the NHS App, GP practice websites, designated pharmacy services, paper request forms at practices, and telephone requests (though this is becoming less common). Most PCNs encourage electronic methods as they streamline the process and reduce administrative burden.

What is the difference between acute and repeat prescriptions in a Primary Care Network?

Acute prescriptions are one-time medications for short-term conditions requiring clinical assessment before each issue. Repeat prescriptions are for ongoing conditions and can be requested regularly without seeing a GP each time, though they require periodic review (typically every 6-12 months). PCNs often have different workflows for handling each type, with repeat prescriptions often managed through structured protocols by pharmacy teams.

How long does it take for prescription requests to be processed in a PCN?

Most Primary Care Networks aim to process repeat prescription requests within 48-72 working hours (2-3 working days). Acute prescription requests typically require clinical review and may take slightly longer depending on clinician availability. Many PCNs have implemented electronic systems to improve efficiency, and urgent requests are usually prioritised through dedicated protocols.

What role do clinical pharmacists play in managing prescription requests in PCNs?

Clinical pharmacists are increasingly central to prescription management in Primary Care Networks. They review medication requests, conduct medication reviews, optimise prescribing patterns, handle queries from patients and community pharmacies, and ensure safe prescribing protocols are followed. This collaborative approach frees up GP time, improves medication safety, and provides specialised pharmaceutical expertise within the primary care team.

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