<h1>Prescription for an electronic revolution?</h1> <h3>14 December 2007</h3><p><em>PA284/07</em></p><p>Patients could be saved millions of trips to their GP under a new scheme that has the potential to revolutionise the system of prescribing medicines. <br><br>The electronic transfer of repeat prescriptions between general practices and pharmacies is currently being rolled out across the UK, in a bid to streamline the system and make it faster and more convenient for patients &#x2014; as well as cutting down on prescription errors. <br><br>And now the scheme is to be studied by academics at The University of Nottingham after they were awarded a &#xa3;750,000 research grant from NHS Connecting for Health. A team of experts will spend two years analysing whether the system, which had its official launch on October 1, 2007, will benefit patients and the NHS. Professor Tony Avery, of Nottingham University Medical School, will build on his proven track record of research expertise in the field of prescribing in primary care. </p>