A newly merged clinical commissioning group (CCG) as signed a new agreement which will see prescribing decision technology deployed.

GP practices across NHS Norfolk and Waveney CCG are now able to use use OptimiseRx,  a solution provided by prescribing decision support experts FDB (First Databank) that enables a message to be sent to prescribers when medications might require additional safety measures for patients, such as additional tests or supplementary drugs.

It also indicates when particular medicines might be potentially inappropriate, or drugs that might be more appropriate for a particular patient based on their specific medical history. The solution proactively highlights other clinical best practice to help guide professionals in their decision making.

Darren Nichols, managing director at FDB UK, said: “Whether it is improving quality of prescribing associated with respiratory illnesses, antibiotics, renal function, high dose opiates, anti-coagulants and other key areas, Norfolk and Waveney CCG is taking proactive steps to ensure patients receive the best care possible and medicines appropriate for them.

“It’s also commendable that it is engaging in this work as its workforce is tackling the greatest public health crisis to ever face the NHS. In a short space of time, OptimiseRx has been rolled out to a large number of practices, and is continuing to be deployed at pace to provide an important tool to support extremely busy NHS professionals.”

NHS Norfolk and Waveney CCG was officially formed on 1 April 2020, following the merger of five separate CCGs for Norwich, North Norfolk, South Norfolk, West Norfolk, and Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

Use of the solution, available for purchase via NHS Shared Business Services without a tender process, is expected to help the CCG support prescribers to improve the safety and quality of prescribing.