Workflow design · Spreadsheet / low code
Reduce repeat prescription chasing
Find out why patients have to chase requests, then improve one avoidable step without changing clinical prescribing decisions.
What you’ll have at the end
A map of the process, common reasons for rework and a simple turnaround measure.
How to begin
- Follow a defined sample from request to the practice’s final action. Record waits and repeated work; distinguish practice processing from pharmacy dispensing.
- Categorise avoidable rework such as duplicates, unclear items, unsuitable routes and missing information. Ask the practice pharmacist to validate the categories.
- Improve one frequent administrative failure with clearer instructions, a consistent request template or explicit ownership of outstanding requests.
- Where suitable, help patients use NHS App repeat requests while retaining accessible alternatives. Acute and repeat-dispensing prescriptions cannot be ordered through that repeat-request route.
- Re-audit the same pathway. Use exceptions to improve handoffs, not to bypass prescribing review or required monitoring.
What to measure
- Outcome: median and upper-percentile request-to-practice-action time.
- Process: requests completed without avoidable administrative rework.
- Balancing: urgent supply contacts, medication errors, staff time and access difficulties.
Before using real data
Scripts must not issue prescriptions, change doses or decide eligibility for electronic repeat dispensing. Different request types need different workflows.
Agree scope, data handling, supervision and escalation with your practice. Use approved systems. Do not upload patient information to this website or a public AI tool.