PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL EMAIL FOR PHARMAPLUS MEMBERS ONLY

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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.

The current situation with PMR providers

PharmaPlus is keen to maintain a proactive engagement in technology so we can guide members accordingly.  We seek to ensure a partnership approach with system houses and not one that is purely process driven. Legacy systems are not showing investment in new ways of working and new technology.  There is little investment in innovation/new tech which 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 the original paper prescription which is now a fundamentally flawed concept. Moving into services, Pharmacy requires a Clinical and Commercial Customer Relationship Management (CCCRM) system, providing solutions that cater for existing prescription processing requirements, but also proactively support patient/customer centered services capturing clinical data for possible service usage by you.  
 

Why Apotec could be what you need to revolutionise your Pharmacy

One of a number of entrants is Apotec … Apotec 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 is concentrating on the delivery of a patient centered, service driven next generation of Pharmacy software services, all whilst retaining the core functionality we expect from the traditional PMR.

Community Pharmacy has a number of stakeholders (larger independent multiples, small groups and Independents), including PharmaPlus, who have invested in their business. The driver for PharmaPlus is as a representative group of pharmacy contractors, we are  able to engage with and influence the senior team at Apotec, on how best they can support our members (and the independent pharmacy sector) with technology and to help proactively engage with patients to support the new services agenda. 
 

Apotec CCCRM 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    Comprehensive clinical knowledge 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.
      o    Bar code scanning removing reliance on paper.
      o    ‘Minimised’ Pharmacist intervention/engagement – Saved clinical checks for a defined period.
4. Open Application Program Interface (API) philosophy e.g Apotec CCCRM system is open to connect to other systems without barriers. 

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 your 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.

Please note that the majority of Systems Supplier Pharmacy contracts are for an initial 48 month period.  Notice must be served at least 3 months before the end of the initial term or the agreement automatically rolls over for a further 12 month period.  There is never a circumstance where contracts have expired.      

Lead time for installation – currently 8-12 weeks.

PharmaPlus continues to actively engage with Apotec to better understand their deliverable, and the potential opportunities that we feel will hugely benefit PharmaPlus members.

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

Regards,

PharmaPlus