Rise of GP Prescriptions in Ireland—Modern Approaches to Contactless Care

Telehealthcare can be a lifesaver at times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of GP prescriptions in Ireland has significantly contributed to the delivery of efficient "contactless care services." On the one hand, the provisions have provided convenient access to minor healthcare needs and symptom management; on the other hand, they have helped reduce the crowd in clinics.

So do we really need to give up such a worthwhile resource post-pandemic? Not really!

When administered under registered telehealthcare platforms, online GP prescription services in Ireland level up as a practical supplement to traditional in-person care as a "new normal." The process streamlines prescription dispensing for minor health issues by leveraging the best of technology. Say hello to your online GP via your PC or smartphone and get personalised reviews with clear communications!

Getting a GP Prescription in Ireland with Online GP Consultations

While online sales of medicines are generally prohibited by the PSI for the valid reason of barring falsified medicine supplies, getting an online GP prescription in Ireland is completely legal.

The document can be issued following online GP consultations with a registered doctor. Digital appointments can save busy individuals a lot of time and effort. You don’t book an appointment, or travel, or wait in line. Digital GP appointments can be booked instantly and is ideal for small and minor needs like prescription refills.

The provisions of online prescription services have been redefined by new-age telehealthcare platforms like Get Healthcare. This is a local telehealthcare platform in Ireland, focused on their online review processes that have carved a niche in the telehealthcare industry. The platform is backed by IMC-registered GPs, who offer personal consultations and expert healthcare advice—just how it works in traditional clinics. So even if you are not seeing the GP in person, it doesn't mean you are not seeing the GP!

A more accessible, efficient, and patient-centred digital ecosystem is taking shape here, revolutionising the way patients receive medical care at home.

The Safest Way to Manage Minor Illnesses and Symptoms with Expert Guided Self-Care Solutions

With HSE's eHealth Ireland overseeing the wider adoption of Digital Health Services in Ireland, the convenient features of online GP prescriptions are shaping up. A big part of making it safe for patients is to keep them abreast of relevant data and advise them to use this self-sufficient form of care more responsibly. At this point, HSE recognises the patient as an "empowered partner" who can make this process work.

• There are several challenges and concerns that must be addressed in detail:

• The potential to distance a patient from a complete diagnosis

• There is a risk of patients continuing with their self-care and failing to address the root cause of the illness.

• Monitoring or addressing any unidentified triggers

• Risk of drug overuse

For modern telehealthcare platforms, it is a foremost priority to streamline their user base. A big part of that is spreading awareness about having realistic expectations of the services. Get Healthcare has done an impressive job here in making sure of that. While promoting their services and how they work for their users, they also emphasised the importance of understanding their limitations.

How the Limitations of GP Prescriptions in Ireland Can Be Beneficial for Long-Term Care Needs

The limitation of telehealthcare services is what shapes their position as a secure foundation for an integrated care system. Remember that only a limited range of illnesses and levels of symptoms can be assessed by an online GP.

While it is quite convenient to get a GP prescription in Ireland for mild to moderate ailments like migraine, asthma, or the common cold, it is not suitable to get medications for chronic or critical illnesses like hypertension or heart disease.

Eligible Ailments include:

• Migraine

• Asthma

• Cystitis

• Birth Control

• Acne Treatment

• Eczema Treatment

• Ineligible ailments: any chronic or critical ailment that necessitates in-person assessments, injections and first aid

• Importance of Patient Data: Data is a vital element for supplying safe treatment, especially for long-term care needs.  Telehealth platforms in Ireland widely use patient verification systems and sign-ins to monitor how their patients are accessing the prescription.

• Capped Usage: There is usually a cap on how many times you can order a GP prescription in Ireland from a telehealth platform.  This step is taken to control medication access and prevent overuse.

  
  

This means that you will still have to see the GP in person for diagnosis-oriented health issues.   The self-diagnosis and treatment of more serious conditions should not be attempted without consulting a healthcare professional.