How Do I Generate a Prescription

There may be the need to generate a prescription for a client to take to a pharmacy. This FAQ shows you some options you can use.

There is a more up-to-date FAQ where scripts can be generated directly from a stock card here.

The first step is to create a definition file (sample shown later) that the system will use, this is identical to creating a recall letter, consent form etc.

The definition file can be accessed from two places:

The animal's management record, then Operation, then General, select 'Prescription' from the index (if setup). It is also worthwhile creating a few similar forms and customising them for a specific pharmacy e.g. Boots, your own, the local chemist etc., add them to the index (See the Organise your definition files FAQ for details.) to make it easier to access. If you don't use the index then specify the name of script definition file when prompted.
Set up an Automatic pricing card, for example, called script, add to the Extras line ^11=pres.def, assuming your prescription definition file is called pres.def. Using this method you can also allocate a price.
If a client wants a prescription, access the clinical card, Auto and just enter script. The form will be printed, the fact logged on the clinical history and the client will be charged.

Once the definition file has been setup you can use either method.

The example below will,

Prompt you for the drug, quantity and dosage information.
Prompt only Yes or No as to whether it can be repeated or not.
Prompt for the pharmacy being sent too, if you have multiple definition files customised for the pharmacy then leave this option out.
Log the fact, in this day and age you need to track everything, the .sa command will add the date, time, user and all the details to a text file that can be accessed via Excel to print/sort the data.

You do not need to include any of the above options to generate a script, setting up the basics will suffice. However, taking a little time just now can make a big difference later on and present a good practice image.

The following definition file is a guide, you should customise it to suit your needs.

Sample Definition File

.qu Enter NAME of drug prescribed
.qu Enter AMOUNT of drug prescribed 
.qu DOSAGE instructions
.qu Dosage continued
.qu !Can it be repeated? <Y>es <N>o
.qu !Which Chemist? <B>oots <F>ergusons
#
# Log this to the file pres.csv in the text sub-directory
# Note all lines staring with a # are ignored. 
# Add some comma's so it is in CSV format, add " to protect spaces
.sa pres.csv &date, &time, &ref, &surname, &user,\
 "&var0","&var1","&var2","&var3"

&bs&es&pname&ef&bf
&bs&es&pad1&ef&bf
&bs&es&pad2&ef&bf
&bs&es&pad3&ef&bf


                       PRESCRIPTION FOR  &animal 


    &client.                                   &breed
    &address1.                                 &age
    &address2.                                 &sex
    &address3.
    &postcode.


    TO: &var5  pharmacy

    PLEASE SUPPLY: &var0

    QUANTITY : &var1

    DOSAGE: &var2
            &var3


    WARNING:     FOR ANIMAL TREATMENT ONLY
    WARNING:    KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN




                                                    [Practice Stamp here]



    Signed .....................................
          &username                                    &date


    THIS PRESCRIPTION IS ISSUED IN RESPECT OF ANIMALS UNDER MY CARE

    TO BE REPEATED AS REQUIRED: &var4 

.pa

Support Guide

How Do I Generate a Prescription

Sample Definition File