The Prescription Pricing Authority has designed its operational systems in order to ensure that the task of capturing prescription data and processing that data achieves a high standard of accuracy.
Levels of performance are detailed in a service level agreement between the NHSE and the PPA. Similar agreements are in place within the various directorates of the PPA. Performance targets and standards are constantly monitored.
Accredited Quality Management Systems are in place within the Prescription Processing Services (the processing divisions), Information Technology Directorate and the Pharmaceutical Advisory Services Division.
There are a number of ways in which quality is achieved.
- All data input staff receive specialised modular training. Standards are set which must be achieved before anyone can move from a training post to a substantive post.
- continual monitoring of performance of staff in terms of accuracy and on-going development training.
- use of Technical Procedure Manuals to ensure uniformity of interpretation and processing of all prescriptions.
- controls built into PPA database provide validation of data capture.
- checks are made on individual prescription data where quantities or costs appear to be unusual.
- in-house quality assurance checks are made at each processing division to monitor accuracy and consistency of data capture.
- in-house quality auditors within processing divisions whose function is to review service provision and identify areas for improvement.
- reprocessing of a statistically significant sample of all prescriptions from all processing divisions by the Central Quality Assurance Division. Samples are selected at random from all accounts processed and then re-input. The results are checked against the original input. Any differences found are investigated and where errors are confirmed these are reported to the appropriate processing division for action. Advice is offered on ways of further improving the service.
- additionally the National Prescription Research Centre takes a sample of prescriptions for reprocessing. This independent check provides confirmation of activities of the PPA.
- all the processes of the PPA including computer systems and databases are subject to checks by both internal and external auditors.
As will be seen from the above there are a number of checks and controls in place to help ensure the maximum possible level of accuracy and consistency in the work of the PPA.