PHARMACY Daily invited Senior Editor and Advocacy Manager Rosemary Ainley, from patient-support group GHLF Australia, to discuss a topic from the perspective of patients.
Got an opinion or experience to share? Let us know in up to 400 words via email to info@pharmacydaily.com.au.
Prescription tracking apps and eScripts are game-changers for people juggling multiple medications, particularly those with chronic conditions.
However, there is room for improvement, say members of Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) Australia - and pharmacists can help.
GHLF Australia supports and empowers people with a variety of chronic conditions through its health advocacy and online information and resources.
The foundation canvassed its patient communities for feedback on electronic prescriptions and tracking apps, including pharmacy apps and the Australian Government's MyHealth app.
Some said they prefer to manage their own paper scripts, while some only use medication reminder apps.
However, most said they love the convenience of managing their scripts digitally, especially when they are unwell or can't get to a pharmacy easily.
These patients also said they could lose track of paper scripts when they had multiple medications to manage.
"The app is handy if I need to check what meds and doses I'm on, as it's all listed - much better than relying on my dodgy memory," Simone B said.
"I love using eScripts, and I struggled a lot before them," Frances S said.
"I use the pharmacy's app to manage my scripts and I'm happy with that," she continued.
"I can add other items to the cart and collect them all at once - it has saved me from running out of meds many times."
The apps aren't perfect, though, with some members saying they had issues with glitchy apps, missing or cancelled eScripts, or incorrect remaining supply details.
"One downside for me, living in a remote area, is that our pharmacy is not linked with any tracking app to see how many repeats I have left," Naomi C said.
"I am hoping this may change in the future, but for now I still must rely on keeping track of that myself," she added.
Kerrie G noted, "The only issue I've ever had is occasionally a pharmacist isn't familiar with the app and that might delay collection for a day until the usual pharmacist returns."
Meanwhile, Vanessa M said, "I wish there was a way to organise my eScript text messages."
Members also shared some suggestions for pharmacy staff and app developers:
"Make sure apps are up to date," Andrea M said.
"Check that patients have enough repeat scripts for their Webster packs," she continued.
"And have a place on apps that lists current eScripts and paper scripts on file - I have so many scripts, it's a tracking nightmare!"
Vanessa M noted, "Until recently, I didn't know pharmacists could look up any eScript for you, so educating customers on that would be brilliant."
* For more on GHLF Australia, visit its website at ghlf.org.au.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 23 Jul 25
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 23 Jul 25
