PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL EMAIL FOR PHARMAPLUS MEMBERS ONLY

Dear Member

As PharmaPlus, we are aware of how essential it is to influence and remain engaged with changes in technology. The need to ensure independents are appropriately represented going forward in the services offered by PMR systems.

1. This email is to provide you the latest update and our detailed overview and recommendation on this topic.
2. If you are coming to an end with your current PMR contract, you can roll over your contract for the time being, rather than getting into a long term contract with a wholesaler or a PMR Supplier. Speak to us for more details before you sign up to something new.
3. Apotec will be attending and discussing their system at the PharmaPlus Seminar on 17th March with our members.
4. Please see detailed specifications and costings of Apotec PMR system attached with this email.

The current situation with PMR providers
We have maintained engagement with a number of the system houses over the years and that broadly, this approach has been well served. However, it does feel at times the discussions have been ‘process driven’ and not one of a sense of ‘partnership’. What is also of concern is legacy systems although they carry out the labelling functions, often offer outdated solutions for future requirements.  Little investment in innovation/new tech is further compounded with mandated expensive equipment delivered under long and inflexible contracts.

Why a change should be considered
It is only right that PharmaPlus looks for new innovations for our members taking place in the PMR market that offer a clear vision and deliver on their promises in support of the community pharmacy model and specifically independent and smaller groups.
 

All incumbent systems are built around prescription fulfilment and the paper prescription. This is now a flawed approach. Pharmacy require a Clinical and Commercial Customer Relationship Management (CRM) providing proactive patient/customer centered services. Prescription fulfilment however remains a key deliverable with all the main components one expects from medicine management systems.

Why Apotec could be what you need to revolutionise your Pharmacy
One of a number of entrants we are reviewing is Apotec which has been setup by Ian Taylor and a number of his colleagues that are ex-Mediphase and Rx Systems. Their aim, focused entirely on the Pharmacy sector drawing upon the knowledge and expertise, is to focus on the delivery of a patient centered, service driven next generation of Pharmacy software services. Leveraging new technologies whilst covering the core functionality we expect from the traditional PMR.

On that basis there are a number of the pharmacy stakeholders (larger independent multiples, small groups and some independents), who have invested in their business. The driver for PharmaPlus is as a representative group of pharmacy contractors, we will be able to engage with and influence the senior team at Apotec, on how best they can support the independent pharmacy sector in their objective to better proactively engage with the patient with a wider clinical service agenda.

Apotec CRM core deliverables assisting in revolutionising the pharmacy operation: 
1.  Commercial and Clinical baseline database underpinning the service
     o    Continued focus on maximising reimbursement and remuneration for pharmacy whether owner contractor or group
     o    Clinical database delivered as core with a focus on Independent Prescribing (post MVP deliverable before the first cohorts of IP Pharmacy graduate in 2026) – partner approach with FDB (First Data Bank - https://www.fdbhealth.co.uk/).
2.    Organisational view and engagement of the patient … as opposed to the patient owned by the processing (nominated) pharmacy, which opens up new ways of future working
3.    Improved workflow, enhanced Clinical Check functionality across local and central fulfilment to support increased engagement in services
     o    Proactive engagement of the patient through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to gain better Services compliance including OTC upselling
     o    Bar code scanning removing reliance on paper
     o    Minimised Pharmacist intervention/engagement – better clinical oversight
     o    Opportunities for PharmaPlus to provide centralised services for members 

4.    Open Application Program Interface (API) philosophy – connecting systems

How to register for interest in Apotec
More detailed overview of the Apotec approach can be viewed in the below Appendices. Further information is available at www.apotec.com, which supports the ability to register interest and as a result, be kept informed of updates.

Sharing your current PMR status
PharmaPlus first step will be reaching out to establish information around your existing PMR provider and associated services.  In addition recording members existing PMR contract renewal dates so that we can ensure we timetable and plan in, an appropriate discussion at the right time for your Pharmacy.

Over the coming months PharmaPlus will be engaging with the various Apotec stakeholders to better understand their deliverable and the potential opportunities that has to PharmaPlus members.  Apotec will be presenting at our upcoming Seminar on SUNDAY 17th March where further information of their approach and questions can be tabled.

As always, if you have any questions or inquiries, please get in touch with us as usual on info@pharmaplusltd.co.uk

Regards,

PharmaPlus