PPT64 Creative e-prescribing solutions to enhance patient safety in a hospice

<h3>Introduction</h3> All healthcare providers are recommended to use electronic prescribing to improve patient safety.¹ We implemented electronic prescribing in May 2025 within SystmOne to improve efficiency and safety in prescribing and administration of medication for inpatients. Key objectives included reducing missed dose administration and prescribing errors, ease of use for clinicians with a strong emphasis on patient safety. <h3>Methods</h3> A multidisciplinary group evaluated current prescribing and administration workflows and identified areas for improvement. We developed a stock-based formulary to ensure prescriptions prioritised available medications, and strategies for prescribing and monitoring processes. Following training for all prescribers and nurses, implementation was phased over 2 weeks. Enhancements included: • Drug regimens for anticipatory prescribing, transdermal opioids, anticoagulants and steroids • Streamlined medication reconciliation • Approval for high-risk medications • Reminders for overdue medications • Tailored formulary with usual dose ranges • Templates for monitoring administration via subcutaneous infusions. <h3>Results</h3> Post-implementation, completion rates for steroid plans and VTE risk assessments improved. Prescriptions for out-of-stock medications decreased. Over a one-month period with 7,000 medication administrations, only 0.3% of doses were missed demonstrating improved medication availability. In an organisation with new doctors every four months, it is important to ensure safe transition to new processes.² Feedback is that enhancements are intuitive and user-friendly, enabling transition with minimal training. This has reduced risk, improved time efficiency, and supported self-directed learning. Implementing electronic prescribing has enabled out of hours prescriptions to be documented from home, reducing the need for nurse transcribing. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Electronic prescribing has led to a measurable 2.7% reduction in overall medication incidents and improved documentation of safety measures. The change has allowed rapid analysis of data, more detailed audits and will enable improved and prompt medicines management. This project highlights how targeted digital interventions, supported by robust training and communication, can deliver meaningful improvements in patient safety and operational efficiency. <h3>References</h3> Christine E Cassidy, <i>et al</i>. E-prescribing and medication safety in community settings: A rapid scoping review. <i>Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy</i> Volume 12, December 2023, 100365 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100365 Ewan McLean; Amanda McLean; Marion Bennie; A qualitative exploration of the impact of a hospital electronic prescribing and medicines administration (HEPMA) protocol on junior doctor confidence and competence to prescribe end-of-life care medicines. <i>Int J Clin Pharm</i> 2024 Aug 7;<b>46</b>(6):1445–1452. https;//doi: 10.1007/s11096-024-01789-9