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New SMS text messaging in QicScript may lead to greater patient loyalty ahead of EPS patient nomination 13 September 2006 – Systems Solutions Limited has become the first pharmacy IT provider to incorporate SMS text, email messaging and direct mail functionality into its flagship QicScript® PMR dispensary system to help pharmacists maintain closer patient relationships ahead of EPS 2 rollout. With QicScript, pharmacists have the ability to communicate cheaply, effectively and quickly with patients via text messages, emails or letters, which can be sent individually to patients or to a group of patients as a whole, by creating personalised messages or using pre-written messages, minimising the time and effort involved in data entry. Pharmacists have complete freedom to choose the level of communication they wish to offer; from sending text messages reminding patients to collect their prescription from the pharmacy, to targeting specific patient groups to inform them of special patient days e.g. asthma clinics and diabetes days, or just simply reminding customers to return to the pharmacy for their Medicines Use Review (MUR). Pharmacists can use text messaging to remind customers to be compliant with their medication by sending reminders to prompt them to take their medication at the correct time or as part of a smoking cessation programme to dispel any moments of weakness they may experience. By using this technology, Systems Solutions claim that pharmacists can broaden the scope of their customer base by engaging directly with younger and harder-to-reach segments of society, such as men between the ages of 16 and 44 years who normally don’t avail of traditional healthcare services, and target them for regular health checks, reminders, information and advice. David Raethorne, Systems Solutions’ founding technical director, says, “We’re delighted to be the first PMR system supplier to introduce functionality like direct mail, text and email messaging. We incorporated this technology into QicScript because it’s the quickest and most cost-effective way for pharmacists to communicate with patients. It is particularly important that pharmacists cement the relationship they have with customers ahead of the second phase of EPS when patient nomination will become a reality. That’s when patients will be forced to nominate the pharmacy/pharmacies of their choice to which they wish their prescriptions to be sent. EPS 2 will prove to be a real test of patient loyalty. A quick and simple text, email or letter is a great way to remind patients to return to the pharmacy for their medication, health information and advice. When patients feel that are getting value added services from their pharmacy, they will freely nominate it as the pharmacy they want all future prescriptions to be sent to”. Systems Solutions envisages that the use of text messaging, in particular, by pharmacy will soar. SMS usage is now one of the most widely used methods of communication due to its sheer simplicity, convenience, portability and ubiquity. In addition, the fact that the device is personally held by the patient makes it even easier to reach the patient directly, anytime, anywhere. SMS messages can illicit an immediate response from patients due to the fact that it can reach them within seconds of transmission. If the patient is unavailable to read the message immediately, SMS has the advantage of storing messages until such a time that the recipient can read them. “This functionality holds so many benefits for pharmacists and patients alike. SMS text messaging supports the fundamental tenets for the transfer of health information through the privacy, confidentiality and direct communication that it affords,” explains David Raethorne. “As a company, Systems Solutions is always looking for ways to make pharmacists’ working lives a little easier. That’s why we’ve developed a better, cheaper and smarter way for pharmacists to communicate with their patients. In essence, we’re working to deliver the future of pharmacy IT today”, he concludes. About QicSCRIPT:
QicScript is a complete Windows-based Patient Medication Record and pharmacy management system, which is easy-to-use, intuitive and future-focused. Comprising of several modules such as dispensing and endorsing, stock control and ordering, medicines management and reporting, QicScript also boasts SMS text messaging, MUR and appointment scheduling functionality, patient diagnostic and interventions recording. QicScript is designed for independent pharmacies, small multiples and large pharmacy chains. For pharmacy chains, the system includes a complete head office module, which includes centralised (shared) patient medication records and offers head office real-time control over stock, ordering, dispensing and professional practices in stores. It delivers real-time visibility across and into all stores within a pharmacy chain. QicSCRIPT is currently live in over 1,400 Boots The Chemists stores. About Systems Solutions Ltd:
Systems Solutions has been developing and marketing software products and services for pharmacy since 1987. Independently-owned, the organisation has built a solid reputation for its thought leadership and ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions for pharmacy which solve complex business issues. The organisation pioneered Electronic Claims Transmission software, medicines management support and real-time centralised control through head office management to the pharmacy sector. The company is renowned for its software development expertise, matched with its constant focus on quality and innovation.
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