The future of
e-scripting in SA

The EMGuidance Script is signed by the prescriber using an advanced electronic signature which meets the legislative requirements of electronic prescribing as set out in Regulation 33 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act.
An advanced electronic signature does not reflect as a traditional cursive signature. To check that a document has been signed using an advanced electronic signature requires opening the PDF in a PDF viewer and assessing the information in the signature panel. This is not necessary with EMGuidance scripts as they are all signed using an advanced electronic signature.

We have presented to the SAPC and they are comfortable that the script meets the legislative requirements of a valid prescription. They have advised that pharmacists have a direct line to the Registrar should they have any queries in this regard.

Pharmacies can access the script by creating a pharmacy store account and then inputting the script code on the script view page. Pharmacies can also access the script via email if the patient selects the “send to pharmacy” option on their patient view. 

No, the same credentials can be used to access both platforms.

AES is the acronym for advanced electronic signature which is a digital signature created with a digital certificate issued from an accredited certificate authority. 

To check that a document has been signed using an advanced electronic signature requires opening the PDF in a PDF viewer and assessing the information in the signature panel. This is not necessary with EMGuidance scripts as they are all signed using an advanced electronic signature.

Electronic prescriptions, like the EMGuidance Script, that meet the legislative requirements as set out in Regulation 33 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, do not need to be sent to the pharmacy by the doctor. 

Yes, only pharmacies have the ability to print the script for audit purposes. A printed copy must not be given to the patient. 

If the print script button is not reflecting on a pharmacy view of the script, the first step is to ensure that this is not being blocked by a computer or IT infrastructure setting. If this has been fully checked, please send the script code to script@emguidance.com so that we can check that the script was correctly signed using the AES signature. 

A note can be made under “Pharmacy notes” to clarify that all repeats have been loaded onto the pharmacy dispensing system. 

A note can be made under “Pharmacy notes” to clarify what items were not issued due to stock constraints.

Yes, a script can be accessed repeatedly and every access will be documented on the tracking history. 

Yes.

Access to the script view is limited to the relevant professional accounts including pharmacists, pharmacist assistants and pharmacy store accounts. In a pharmacy, the same approach to confidentiality of a paper prescription should apply to electronic prescriptions and account login details should only be shared with the relevant professionals. 

It is important to check that your sign up has been completed and that you have verified your email address. 

This will be a subscription service for doctors who will be paying a monthly fee to use it. We will not charge pharmacies to access or receive prescriptions. This is an archaic model, and it doesn't truly add value. In future, we may develop additional revenue models where there may be an opportunity to add value to the pharmacy, eg. increasing basket size by suggesting OTCs where there is clinical relevance to the doctor. The EMGuidance philosophy is if we can create net new value for both stakeholders, then we would want to share in the value creation.

The EMGuidance Script data analytics offering is currently not commercialised except with regards to the prescriber's own scripting analytics. However this may evolve in future.