ePACT.net

"A product which makes prescription data immediately accessible using a combination of Internet technology and the NHS Prescribing Database held by the Prescription Pricing Authority."

This is the NHS net version of Electronic PACT available at the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) Website address (www.ppa.nhs.uk). It differs from EPACT, in that it allows users real time on-line access to the two years prescribing data held on the NHS, Prescribing Database.

To access the system, users require a PC with Windows 95, Windows NT or Windows 2000, Internet Explorer 4.72 (or above) and connection to the NHS net.

As with EPACT, data can be selected according to:

• reporting period (i.e. month, quarter, year)
  
• prescribing organisation (e.g. practice, PCG, PCT)
  
• BNF classification (chapter to presentation level)

The system allows users to easily create their own graphs and reports from an extensive range of data and also provides a set of nationally agreed pre-defined graphs and reports.

A 'tagging' facility for specific requests is available. The selection of data can be grouped by specific practices (e.g. rural, dispensing) or specific BNF categories (e.g. practice formulary, specialist drugs). This data can also be displayed in tabular and graphical format.

Query results can be exported using the Windows cut and paste facility.

This system is available to:

• Primary Care Trusts (PCTs)
  
• Primary Care Groups (PCGs)
  
• Community Units
  
• National Users

Information is available at practice, PCT and PCG level and at nurse level for Community Units. This system is available to HAs on request.

For PCTs and PCGs, comparative data can be analysed using a variety of patient denominators such as:

• patient
  
• Prescribing Unit (PU)
  
• ASTRO PU - Age Sex Temporary Resident Originated Prescribing Unit
  
• STAR PU - Specific Therapeutic group Age-sex Related Prescribing Units
  
• Nurse Prescribing Formulary PU

The next release of ePACT.net will provide Regional Offices a facility to access HA/PCT information.

It is expected that future development of ePACT.net will allow access to 36 months of data, additional access rights and the facility to share tags between organisations.

Frequently Asked Questions