Managing the CPCS
An SOP is a requirement for delivering the CPCS service. A template SOP is available from the PSNC which should be developed to meet the needs of your pharmacy. All members of the pharmacy team should be trained on the SOP and their role in delivering it and working processes need to be developed or adapted to ensure the effective running of the CPCS.
- Changes will be required to dispensing processes to reduce the pharmacist’s involvement in dispensing, allowing them to be available for CPCS consultations
- A process will be required for the timely notification of referrals
- Handover processes will be needed to ensure that referrals from one day are passed onto the pharmacy team for the following day
- A process to ensure that payment is claimed monthly.
The service is recorded on PharmOutcomes but claimed using the MYS platform. The end of the month procedure should be adapted to ensure that a CPCS claim is made monthly.
Four computer systems are currently required to deliver and manage the CPCS service; PMR, SCR, PharmOutcomes and MYC. The Department of Health will maintain and develop the online IT system to manage CPCS until April 2021. Contractors will then become responsible for the system. In order to deliver the service efficiently the IT system to support it must be improved and made fit for purpose, ideally using only one system to deliver the service. Pharmacy owners need to engage with their IT system suppliers to ensure the evolution of the systems to meet the needs of the service.
Actions
- Create a plan to transform the dispensing process to remove the pharmacist from the dispensing process
- Develop a system for the timely notification of referrals
- Review and update your CPCS SOP
- Update the end of month process for claiming CPCS payments
- Ensure the pharmacy’s Directory of Service entry is up to date
- Engage with your pharmacy systems supplier to ensure systems are being developed appropriately.