Global healthcare technology company Clanwilliam has announced the full launch of Pippo, an innovative patient focused app designed to streamline and simplify interactions between patients and GPs in Ireland. The roll out of the application is enabled by a multi-year seven figure investment with several hundred thousand euro already invested in the solution.

Pippo reduces the burden of managing healthcare administration by simplifying the management of repeat prescription requests, appointment bookings, and other patient requests. A pilot version of the app enabling the management of patient bookings was rolled out across GP practices nationwide last year. An average of 40 hours every month in administrative duties was saved by practices using Pippo over the course of the successful pilot scheme.

The full launch of Pippo includes the introduction of a new online repeat prescriptions functionality into the app. This functionality is expected to save participating practices an estimated 15 to 30 minutes per prescription and unlock valuable clinical capacity.

Many GP practices currently manage repeat prescription requests, patient appointment bookings and other requests via time intensive channels, such as phone calls, consuming valuable practice capacity. Pippo streamlines the management of these administrative functions through a fully digital and easy-to-use platform that enables patients of participating clinics to manage requests online.

Designed with stringent security standards, the platform ensures the secure end-to-end protection of patient data and is fully interoperable with existing GP practice management systems including Socrates and Helix Practice Manager.

Commenting on the full launch of Pippo, Eileen Byrne, Managing Director of Clanwilliam Ireland, said, “The nature of healthcare is rapidly evolving in our digital age. Increasingly, digital technologies have a crucial role to play in making existing healthcare services more agile, flexible and responsive, for the benefit of both healthcare professionals and their patients.

“We are delighted to now be able to offer repeat prescriptions functionality through the app, providing another seamless, patient-led interaction that creates efficiencies for practices.

“With its capacity to deliver seamless, secure and efficient interactions between GPs and patients, the roll out of Pippo is an important step forward on this journey of transforming healthcare. By increasing the efficiency of GP patient interactions including appointment booking, payments, and refilling prescriptions in a simple and easy to use way, we’re helping to unlock significant benefits for both doctors and patients.

Through Pippo and the ongoing development of our range of pioneering healthcare innovations, we hope to continue our progress in improving healthcare delivery and realising our vision of a fully connected healthcare system for all.”

For over 25 years, Clanwilliam has forged successful integrations and partnerships with healthcare technology providers and worked with key stakeholders such as the Department of Health, ICGP, and the HSE to help shape the future of the digital healthcare space in Ireland. Pippo is the latest in a series of healthcare innovations aligned with the HSE eHealth programme of work, including digital health initiatives such as Chronic Disease Management, e-Referrals, electronic prescriptions, the newly launched STC Analyser, and Covid vaccinations.

Pippo is part of Clanwilliam, founded in 1996 in Dublin, when Howard Beggs established Medicom Medical Computer Solutions to help doctors utilise technology to deliver better care. It has grown into a global healthcare group of more than 25 technology products and services committed to improving healthcare across the world. It has 19 offices and more than 1,050 staff in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and India.

To request more information about Pippo, contact +353 1 463 3000. 

[News published on the Irish Times 2/4/24: https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/2024/04/02/clanwilliam-unveils-new-app-to-streamline-gp-practices/) 

The False Medicines Directive (FMD) is coming into force on the 9th February 2019. Our PharmFMD software solution has been designed to handle all FMD requirements for pharmacies.

PharmFMD is Clanwilliam Health’s standalone software system that enables pharmacies to conduct verification and decommissioning scans and reintroduce medicines to their stock in accordance with FMD. We have spent the last year developing this product to ensure that pharmacists can easily make sure that they are FMD compliant. While FMD doesn’t come into force until next year PharmFMD is available now to allow users time to experiment with the system and incorporate it into their routines and processes.

PharmFMD enables pharmacies to scan medicines and check the following aspects:

• Verify: Check that the product is real and not counterfeit, will not change medication status.
• Supply: Medication is marked as dispensed/supplied and automatically decommissions on day 11.
• Reintroduce: Allows medication that was previously supplied to be put back on the shelf as long as this action takes place during the 10-day window.
• Decommission: Decommission medicines that are destroyed, free samples or stolen.
• Other: Show license details, settings and system FAQs.

Click here to register your interest and a member of our team will be in touch with you. 

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force on the 25th May 2018, replacing the existing data protection framework under the EU Data Protection Directive. The GDPR represents one of the most challenging and evolving areas of law facing businesses today. There will now be strict, enforceable obligations governing how practices process the personal data of their patients.

The risks associated with non-compliance with data protection law post 25th May 2018 will change dramatically. Failure to address GDPR obligations may result in fines of up to 4% of yearly turnover. As your software partners, we are committed to facilitating and continuing to develop key features within your practice management system required to meet your GDPR obligations.

Over the last number of months, we have worked with key industry stakeholders and GDPR experts in order to develop a robust and secure GDPR module for our Practice Management systems (Socrates, Helix Practice Manager and Health One. GDPR Sentinel features product enhancements designed to help our customers on their road to GDPR compliance.

Our GDPR Sentinel Module upgrade includes:

• Server encryption for your data – all patient data is encrypted at a server level to make sure that only approved staff and users can access the data. Encryption renders data useless if it is compromised by nefarious means such as ransomware or other potential hacks. This feature is provided by a third-party supplier and will be available from May. Our team will contact you directly to facilitate this change.
• Data subject access requests – investigate and manage all data access requests and export patient notes to ensure that they can easily be completed within the 1-month mandatory timeline outlined by GDPR.
• Data auditing – Reporting functionality to assess, monitor and report on how, when and where your data is accessed. Data audits can also help with internal GDPR compliance by providing you with details on who has accessed specific records.
• Product access security enhancements – improved system passwords to include expiry dates, appropriate levels of character complexity and mandatory minimum password lengths.
• The right to be forgotten – Article 17 of the GDPR states that all data subjects now have the right to request that their personal data be completely erased/forgotten. We will facilitate any right to be forgotten requests that you may receive by providing a dedicated support function to qualify and process any such requests that have met a pre-determined set of GDPR compliant conditions.

GDPR Sentinel has been developed to facilitate our customers’ requirements in meeting the new GDPR regulations and we will continue to update the module to cater to future GDPR requirements.

Clanwilliam Health have launched their latest Electronic Point Of Sale (“EPOS”) system, Smart ePOS, at the United Drug Pharmacy Show in the Aviva Stadium.

Smart ePOS has been developed and designed to give pharmacists complete control and overview of their fundamental day-to-day operations. The system allows pharmacy managers to easily and effectively manage the three core facets of their business: Stock Control; Margin Control; and Cash Control.

Further information on Smart ePOS can be found on our website product page here. Alternatively, to speak to someone from our team or arrange a demo of Smart ePOS, email PharmacySales@clanwilliamhealth.com or call 01 463 3040.

Clanwilliam Health will be demoing Smart ePOS over the course of the United Drug Pharmacy Show, from Sunday April 23rd to Tuesday 25th, in room 416 at the Aviva Stadium. Our team will also be in attendance at the IPU National Pharmacy Conference in Croke Park on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th May.

Clanwilliam Health are delighted to announce that RxWeb, its web-based PMR offering, has expanded into the Scottish pharmacy market.

RxWeb is the UK’s only web-based PMR system and has enjoyed significant growth in recent years among independent pharmacies as well as multi-site and large group users. Its entry into Scotland further promotes its position as the fastest growing PMR in the UK.

Eileen Byrne, Managing Director of Clanwilliam Health, commented on the significance of this growth: “This is a very special day for RxWeb and Clanwilliam Health as we receive accreditation to move into the Scottish market. We have worked closely with pharmacies in Scotland to ensure RxWeb is tailored specifically to market needs. We are, and have been, committed to investing in RxWeb so that we deliver a superior product offering for our customers, which has allowed us to grow significantly in the UK over recent years and we are excited to continue this growth in Scotland.”

David Ross, Business Development Manager for Scotland, also remarked on RxWeb’s expansion: “We’re very happy to finally be in a position to present RxWeb to the Scottish pharmacy market. Advancements in cloud technology have resulted in enormous contributions to pharmacy management in the UK, with RxWeb users gaining real value through significant financial savings and enhanced flexibility. This is both an exciting development for RxWeb and Scottish pharmacies”.

RxWeb is a cloud-based PMR system, allowing pharmacists anytime/anywhere access to their systems, as well as automatic updates and real-time back-ups. Pharmacies also enjoy enhanced levels of security due to no locally stored data or dependency on any one PC, meaning incidents of hardware failure or theft do not impact system operations or risk of patient data loss. RxWeb users have the freedom to supply their own hardware (provided it meets specifications) meaning no multi-license fees. 

WWW.RXWEB.CO.UK

WATCH: A Call To Patients

The Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards have launched for 2017 and the organisers today called on the public to nominate pharmacists who go above and beyond for their patients. It is an opportunity to recognise a pharmacist who has had a positive impact in the life of an individual or even a whole community while performing their duty.

“We all know that a pharmacist is more than a dispenser of medicines, but rather a trusted adviser who has the patient’s best interests at heart. Today we are calling on the public to tell us about their standout interactions with pharmacists around the country. We want you to tell us what they did to improve your health or to positively impact your life. At the Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards 2017, a special Patient Nominated Award will be presented to the pharmacist who has had most impact,” said Eileen Byrne, Managing Director, Clanwilliam Health.

Those interested in suggesting a pharmacist deserving of this recognition are encouraged to fill out the online nomination form before July 21st. The winning pharmacist will be recognised in the company of their peers, with over 300 representatives from all sectors of pharmacy, including pharmacists in hospital, community, industry and academic settings, attending the Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards 2017.

The Patient Nominated Award, sponsored by the Irish Pharmacy Union, is one of ten categories including the Professional Excellence Award and the Young Pharmacist of the Year Award which will be announced on Saturday, November 18th in the Mansion House, Dublin.

“The Clanwilliam Pharmacists Awards 2017 will provide an opportunity to recognise the phenomenal work which takes place across all pharmacy sectors every day in Ireland. It’s important to dwell on the contribution of the pharmacy profession to healthcare in Ireland as a whole, and also to recognise the individuals and teams who are nominated in each category. No award is more important than the one nominated by patients – pharmacists serve the public so to be nominated in this way is seen by the entire pharmacy community to be a distinguished honour. Another noteworthy aspect of the awards is the support they offer for the Pharmacy Benevolent Fund, which helps those who have been associated with pharmacy and who are now in need of assistance,” said Daragh Connolly, President of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).

An adjudicating panel comprised of respected pharmacists from various branches of the profession will select three finalists for each category (announced in October) and a winner for each which will be revealed on the Awards night itself on November 18th.

The recipient of the Patient Nominated Award in 2016 today joined organisers in calling on the public to submit details of pharmacists who deserve to be recognised with the honour.

“Receiving this award meant the world to me – I’ve always tried to give my patients 110%, so to have this recognised was very special to me and is one of the highlights of my career. If you have encountered a pharmacist who has made a positive difference in your life, please do consider nominating them for this award,” said Clare Long of Foynes Pharmacy.

Visit www.pharmacistawards.com for more information.

We are delighted to announce that our parent company Clanwilliam Group, have recently acquired Bluespier International, leading provider of theatre management solutions.

Both Clanwilliam Group and Bluespier share a common focus on delivering innovative services that support the work of healthcare professionals and improve health outcomes.

Bluespier has joined other businesses in the Clanwilliam Group including Medical Billings and Collections experts Medical Management Services, Socrates, Helix Health (RxWeb), and DGL Practice Manager. Read the full press release on the Clanwilliam Group website here.

Socrates is proud to partner with Practitioner Health in supporting its Practitioner Health Matters Programme (PHMP).

The Practitioner Health Matters Programme (PHMP) was launched in September 2015. It is a strictly confidential service which provides support and appropriate medical care for doctors, dentists and pharmacists in Ireland who may be experiencing mental health difficulties or who may have an alcohol or substance misuse problem. It is available to all practitioners regardless of their grade or specialty – early intervention is a key aspect of the programme.

Socrates has always believed in supporting healthcare professionals and recognises the challenges that those working in the sector can encounter themselves. As a result, we are delighted to associate ourselves with PHMP and this fantastic service.

Furthermore, the Board of the PHMP are hosting an information evening on Friday May 13th in the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin, to celebrate the first year of the Programme. For ticket information or any further information regarding the PHMP, please visit www.practitionerhealth.ie.

“Socrates have been a tremendous help to the Practitioner Health Matters Programme in the provision of their software systems. They have also been very accommodating in acting as a platform to spread the word of the Programme across their extensive network.”

-Dr Íde Delargy, PHMP Clinical Lead

Nine out of ten pharmacists say medication shortages have become more difficult and time consuming to manage in the last year.

According to the results of a new survey of pharmacists, undertaken ahead of the Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards, 63 per cent of pharmacists said dealing with shortages had become ‘significantly worse’ while 29 per cent of pharmacists said dealing with shortages had become ‘somewhat worse’.

The finding comes at a time when the issue of medication shortages is hitting headlines across the world with Canada currently facing a massive shortage of drugs needed by patients with epilepsy, while in New Zealand pharmacies have had to ration a common heart medication due to the difficulties in sourcing the medicine. Here in Ireland, medicines including those used to treat thyroid problems as well as some contraceptives and Hormone Replacement Therapy medicines are increasingly difficult to source.

Pharmacist and Chair of the Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards, Ultan Molloy said the current difficulties sourcing medicines are simply unacceptable. “Shortages can delay therapeutic treatment and have a serious impact on patient health. Such shortages are also a major source of anxiety, as patients can become understandably worried in cases where they don’t know whether or not they will be able to access a medicine. For pharmacists, shortages serve as a major frustration as many are spending increasing amounts of their time tracking down medicines for patients due to supply shortages. This is taking them away from other valuable services they can provide for patients. Most people would agree that the pharmacist’s value is in providing patient facing care and not spending hours on the phone sourcing medicines, or tracking down prescribers to advise them on alternatives for our patients,” said Mr Molloy.

The survey also revealed more than a quarter of pharmacists are spending between five and ten hours a week clarifying or correcting prescriptions. A further 59 per cent of pharmacists spend between one and five hours of their working week checking the details on prescriptions are correct.

It also provided an insight into the excellent relationship between pharmacists and patients and highlighted how an overwhelming 92 per cent of pharmacists feel their work is valued by their patients, with 44 per cent saying it is highly valued. 91 per cent felt that trustworthy advice was the quality most valued by their patients in the patient/customer relationship.

More than 50 per cent of those surveyed said technology had helped them to become more efficient and 32 per cent said they could make more use of technology to help them do their job. The survey was undertaken in partnership with Clanwilliam Health, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of leading healthcare, technology and services company Clanwilliam Group, the title sponsor of the 2016 Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards. The Awards aim to celebrate pharmacy and raise awareness of the outstanding work being undertaken by pharmacists across the country. The Awards also raise vital funds for the Pharmacy Benevolent Fund.

“We are excited to partner on the delivery of the Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards, which recognise excellence in the sector. This survey reflects the fact that pharmacists are forward thinking and embracing of the power and possibilities implied by new technologies and new services,” said Jennifer Hughes, Director of Marketing, Clanwilliam Health.“We are continually impressed by the pharmacists who invest so much both professionally and personally so it is a genuine pleasure for us to help honour their successes.”

Nominations for this year’s Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards are now being accepted in ten different categories including the coveted Patient Nominated Award, which is bestowed on a pharmacist working in the community each year. Patients can nominate their local pharmacist for the Patient Nominated Award by logging on to www.pharmacistawards.com . Pharmacists can also nominate colleagues working in community, hospital and industry settings at the same address.

The closing date for nominations for the Awards is Tuesday, July 26. The 2016 Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards is held in aid of the Pharmacy Benevolent Fund and will take place at the Mansion House, Dublin on Saturday, November 26.

Clanwilliam Health announced today the expansion of its product portfolio through the acquisition of PharmaSys, which now includes full ownership of the pharmacy PMR cloud solution RxWeb and the development team behind the cloud technology.

This builds upon the long established and highly successful partnership in the UK pharmacy market, with over 1,000 pharmacies now using RxWeb and further demonstrates our commitment to UK pharmacy following a multimillion pound investment in the RxWeb technology platform and software functionality in 2015 & 2016.

Clanwilliam Health Managing Director, Eileen Byrne, commented on the acquisition: “PharmaSys is an ideal fit for Clanwilliam Health’s pharmacy division; our shared focus for delivering innovative services that add value to UK pharmacists and their businesses will remain central to our strategy as our customer base grows. We are delighted to welcome PharmaSys to the company and look forward to continued collaboration in developing the RxWeb product and creating real value for our pharmacy customers.”

The expertise and knowledge of the PharmaSys team is being retained, with the existing development team joining Clanwilliam Health as full-time employees. Brian Henderson, founder and former Managing Director of PharmaSys will continue to work closely with Clanwilliam Health in an advisory capacity. Building on this acquisition, Clanwilliam Health will continue to work with our customers in developing RxWeb, retaining its position as the most innovative and economical PMR system in the UK pharmacy market.

For more information on RxWeb, visit www.rxweb.co.uk.