Background

Medicines management in England is a critical component of the healthcare system, focusing on ensuring that patients derive the maximum benefit from their medications while minimising risks and waste.

With an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of long-term conditions, the use of multiple medicines, known as polypharmacy, is becoming more common. However, between 30-50% of medicines prescribed for long-term conditions are not taken as intended, highlighting the need for effective medicines optimisation.

Despite its importance, several technical challenges impede its implementation. These include the lack of interoperability between IT systems across different care settings, incomplete or inaccurate electronic health records, limited use of decision support tools, and difficulties in implementing e-prescribing systems. Additionally, the complexity of medication regimens and the need for better data analytics to identify prescribing trends and opportunities for improvement further complicate efforts. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure that patients receive the right medicines at the right time, ultimately improving the quality and safety of care.

Derbyshire Prescription Service (DPS) is part of the Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), which covers a population of approximately 1 million people across Derby City and Derbyshire County. The service supports 93 GP practices organised into 15 Primary Care Networks (PCNs).

In recent years, the ICB has placed a strong emphasis on medication optimisation and improving the medicine ordering process to enhance patient safety, reduce waste, and improve efficiency in primary care settings.

The challenge

In response to these challenges, the Derbyshire Prescription Service (DPS) has implemented Aire Innovate’s Medication Optimisation Service (AireMOS) to complement their medication ordering process and enable greater access to the service.

It has been estimated that £300 million of NHS prescribed medicines are wasted each year. In response to a national drive to reduce this figure the ICB set up a Medicine Order Line (MOL) to enable patients to take back control of ordering their medication and repeat prescriptions.

Initially set up as telephone service, requiring call backs to patients to discuss medication requests, the MOL was inundated with requests during COVID and call-backs to patients soon became impossible. It was clear that a different solution was required.

They wanted a digital solution to relieve pressure on the service and  enable incoming requests for medication, at a time convenient for patients, that wasn’t onerous for staff and easy to manage.

The Solution

Transforming Medication Ordering

Enter Aire Innovate’s Medication Optimisation System (AireMOS). An innovative digital solution that helps reduce medicines waste, improve patient safety and save costs by offering patients a digital choice to order prescriptions at time and using a device that is convenient to them.

Having explored other solutions they decided that Aire Innovate provided the best solution for their needs.

The AireMOS solution provides patients with 24/7 access to order their medications through an easy-to-use online form, ensuring secure and straightforward use for both patients and their proxies. The system requires no app downloads, user account creation, or login credentials, removing barriers to use. This simplicity and efficiency have been well received by patients.

“Everyone at Aire Innovate has been brilliant and the solution ticks all the boxes. It is easy to use and the patients really like it. It even allows for proxies to be able to request prescriptions - other solutions did not offer this.”

Beckie Cousin: Lead Pharmacy Technician, Derbyshire Prescription Service

Roll-out and adoption

Starting with 3 practices initially, the implementation of the solution has been phased to allow for feedback from staff and patients. Being a low-code solution means it is quick and easy to make changes and has the flexibility to evolve with changing requirements. The service is able to update and adapt its request form based on feedback from users and patients.

Choosing a phased approach to deployment has also enabled the ICB to ensure maximum uptake of the solution, with both patients and practices embracing the new solution. They currently have patients within 93 out of 115 practices using the solution with uptake increasing all the time.

The service handles approximately 90,000 request calls each month. Introducing AireMOS has alleviated pressure on the phone lines by offering a convenient alternative for patients to request medications.

The service now processes approximately 10%—around 9,000 medication requests monthly—via the forms, with this number increasing every month—an impressive feat made possible by AireMOS.

“We have based our business continuity plan on the AireMOS solution. In the event of any short-term system outages, we can seamlessly manage all prescription requests through this digital solution, ensuring patients receive their medications safely and on time without disruption”

Karen Barker: Senior Pharmacist – Derbyshire Prescription Service

Outcomes

Operational Efficiency and Performance

Since introducing AireMOS and digital forms, the team has significantly improved efficiency. While staff can manage 140-200 request calls daily, they can process approximately 300 forms per day, making them much more efficient. The shift to digital not only enhances productivity but also simplifies training for new staff, as form processing is now a key performance metric.

Integral to Business Continuity

The solution’s significant impact has led to its integration into the DPS’s Business Continuity plan. In the event of episodes of short term GP system unavailability,
the service seamlessly manages all telephone prescription requests through the solution ensuring patients receive their medications promptly and safely without having to call back.

Going forward, the DPS is continuing to focus on innovative approaches to improve access, enhance digital capabilities, and promote collaborative working between primary care and other health and social care providers across the region.

Learn more about our low code, high impact solutions or curious about how AireMOS works? Get in touch.