Funky mini-CD to aid prescribing

Prescribers will have easier access to information on subsidised medicines in the form of a new electronic version of the Pharmaceutical Schedule, which has been launched by PHARMAC.

The Schedule, the list of all pharmaceuticals and therapeutic devices subsidised by the Government, is available in printed form, produced three times a year and updated monthly, and electronic versions are already incorporated into some prescriber computer systems.

The new i-CD Schedule combines easy to the Schedule with links to Medsafe data sheets, information on prescribing trends and electronic forms for all products listed under Special Authority.

And all this is crammed onto a funky credit card-sized mini-CD.

“Prescribers already use a range of technologies to access information on the products that are available,” says PHARMAC Medical Director Peter Moodie.

“However, this new i-CD responds to a need for the list of subsidised drugs to be combined with prescribing information and relevant data. The i-CD Schedule is designed as a resource to give doctors information on what subsidised drugs are available, what other products there are in the same therapeutic group, and detailed information on the drugs.”

“Having electronic versions of all Special Authority forms means prescribers can be sure they always have these forms on hand.”

The i-CD is designed for easy use in most desktop computers, and is compatible with all computers using Microsoft Windows software.

Other features include a full search facility, the ability for users to customise the software, statistics showing trends in prescribing and expenditure in each therapeutic group, and links to Medsafe data sheets on all subsidised drugs.

Peter Moodie says doctors have already responded positively to the i-CD ahead of its launch at the Royal NZ College of General Practitioners conference in Rotorua today.

“We have been encouraged by the positive responses we have had when presenting this concept to doctors throughout New Zealand,” Dr Moodie says.

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