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.

Except for pharmacies who have the ability to print scripts for audit purposes, scripts cannot be printed. Prescribers can print a preview version of the script once signed and this document will include guidance steps for the patient and pharmacy on how to access the valid electronic prescription. Our digital script technology allows for secure scripting that is easily accessible by pharmacies and reduces the risk of script tampering and dispensing error.

Our script holds a high standard of security to ensure the safety of patients. Patients with a South African ID are verified directly with the Department of Home Affairs, however one does not have to have a South African ID to make use of the script. 

The EMGuidance Script uses Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES), which is one of the most secure encryption algorithms that uniquely identifies the signatory and protects the documents they sign from any further altering. The script is password protected and uses cloud-based technology, allowing access from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, all activity on the script is tracked and viewable to the prescriber and dispensers. 

Yes. By using AES, EMGuidance Script meet all the legal requirements to be accepted by any pharmacy in South Africa for all schedules of medicines.

Advanced Electronic Signatures include an extra level of security compared to digital signatures. An advanced electronic signature is a digital signature created with a digital certificate from an accredited Authentication Service Provider, following a face-to-face identification process with the subscriber. A digital script signed without AES is not considered to meet the current local legislative requirements of electronic scripts based on the Pharmacy Act 101 of 1965 and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002. 

Yes, the fully mobile version of EMGuidance Script will allow you to script on the go.

Yes, EMGuidance Script has the functionality to issue a repeat script, including a feature which tracks the number of repeats issued.

Yes, EMGuidance Script will keep a record of all scripts issued for your reference.

In addition to the reassuring security features, the script aims to provide all the information one needs to script efficiently, at the point of prescribing. This includes pre-populated dosing per indication for over 150 commonly prescribed medicines, script templates, medical aid formulary information, interaction checks and important medicine information. EMGuidance Script also writes out your schedule 6 medicines in words for you automatically so you will never make a mistake.

Most scripts in South Africa do not use AES-level signatures and do not have a fully trackable cloud system, so fraud prevention and authentication of scripts is complex. To circumvent this, pharmacies ask for scripts to be sent directly from the doctor's offices. This is time consuming for the doctors and increases the administrative and cognitive burden for practices. Because our system uses the industry standard AES and has a fully trackable cloud, the patient can decide which pharmacy to go to in their own time and can change their mind based on their needs. Patients never have the script but a link to the script, which is in the cloud. Pharmacies can verify each script and each prescriber quickly and securely using the EMGuidance Script platform. 

In addition to the reassuring security features, the script aims to provide all the information one needs to script efficiently, at the point of prescribing. This includes pre-populated dosing for over 150 commonly prescribed medicines, script templates, medical aid formulary information, interaction checks and important medicine information, adult and paediatric dosing and contraindications.

Yes, a logo can be updated under “My practices” in the profile section.

Qualifications can be added under “Professional information” in the profile section.

Create a script on a patient’s profile and save as a template. The template won’t save under that patient’s profile but will be saved under your templates. 

For adult patients an ID number is required to create a patient profile. For children, a date of birth and a guardian ID can be used. 

Under the “Personal information” tab under the profile section there is a space for “Registered name as per ID document”.

Yes. 

An internet connection is required to access the EMGuidance Script on a web browser. On the mobile app one is able to draft and save a script, but in order to sign and send it an internet connection will be required.

A prescriber can give the 8 letter script code to the patient and the pharmacy will be able to access the script using the code.

You need to use your registered ID name for your TrustFactory certificate.

• Please log on to the TrustFactory website https://portal.trustfactory.net/#/ 
• Navigate to the tab on the top and click on CumuloKey:
• Click sign in with TrustFactory then you will land on a dashboard. 
• Click enrol a new 2FA device and proceed using the prompts

Please contact TrustFactory for assistance where you will need to conduct an online video call presenting your identity document again and request that your backup codes be shared with you.

This may be browser related, we recommend using Chrome. If you have any camera recording software installed on your computer, this may also affect recording the TrustFactory verification video. 

Please send us an email on script@emguidance.com

Yes.

Yes, although you will need to provide two forms of identification for verification. 

No, the annual cost of the AES certificate is included your EMGuidance Script subscription.

• You will need to manage your subscription on the device on which you subscribed and put in your credit card details. 
• On web you can do this under subscriptions tab in your profile area
• On mobile Android - Open Google Play Store app > Account (top right) > Payments and subscriptions > Subscriptions
• On mobile iOS - Device settings > Your Apple ID > Subscriptions

EMGuidance Script subscriptions may be canceled after 3 months. If you would like to cancel your subscription, please email us on script@emguidance.com. 

You will only be able to start scripting once your TrustFactory advanced electronic signature certificate has been issued and linked to your EMGuidance Script profile. The onboarding process should take no more than 3 days. 

Yes, you can do this at any time on the self service portal which can be found under the subscriptions tab in your EMGuidance Script profile area.  If you downgrade your subscription you will receive a credit for your next payment date. 

You will be prompted to input a coupon code before you proceed to checkout. 

Your invoice will be emailed to you at every payment term (monthly/annually depending on your selection). 

Yes, you will be able to do this via the subscriptions tab in your EMGuidance Script profile area.