Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways… progress?

About this episode

Dr. Sam Patel discusses Scotland's progress in transitioning to electronic prescriptions and the challenges involved.

In this episode, we speak with Dr Sam Patel, National Programme Lead for the Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways (DPDP) Programme, to explore Scotland’s progress toward replacing paper prescriptions with a secure, end-to-end electronic system. Sam explains the legal and technical foundations required to make the transition — from implementing advanced electronic signatures compliant with UK and EU standards, to the key legislative amendments for the programme. We discuss how Scotland’s infrastructure differs from England’s EPS “Spine” system and how the new approach, built on the National Digital Platform, will need to support national identity verification, secure messaging, and audit capability across GP and pharmacy systems. Looking ahead, Sam outlines the project’s timeline, challenges, and expected benefits. The first pilot sites are targeted for late 2028, following the appointment of a delivery partner and integration with new GPIT and pharmacy systems. We discuss the enormous potential for reducing admin time, improving patient convenience, and creating better repeat-prescribing processes — all while ensuring those who are less digitally enabled aren’t left…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr Sam Patel

Topics covered

• Digital Prescribing
• Dispensing Pathways
• Electronic Prescriptions
• Healthcare Technology
• Patient Convenience

Keywords

• NHS Scotland
• National Digital Platform
• legislation
• GPIT
• pharmacy systems

Mentioned in this episode

Products: the National Digital Platform, National Digital Platform, Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways

Places: Scotland, UK, EU, England

More episodes of Scottish National Users' Group (SNUG) Podcast

• 21st Century solutions for telephony, triage and GP consulting · May 27, 2026 · 41 min
• Rediscovering GP innovation with Professor George Crooks · April 29, 2026 · 44 min
• Orkney needs IT... that works! · March 20, 2026 · 30 min
• Can AI help reduce polypharmacy? (Part 2) · February 18, 2026 · 36 min
• Can AI help reduce polypharmacy? (Part 1) · January 24, 2026 · 28 min
• From information overload to actionable knowledge · December 21, 2025 · 34 min