What is Real-time Prescription Monitoring (RTPM)? 

Real-time Prescription Monitoring (RTPM) is a digital system designed to track the prescription and dispensing of high-risk medicines, particularly controlled substances such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. The system provides healthcare professionals with real-time access to a patient’s prescription history, helping to prevent medication misuse, doctor shopping, and accidental overdoses. 

In Australia, each state and territory operates its own RTPM system, but all are designed to integrate with the prescribing software used by clinics Australia wide, Zedmed. Understanding how to set up RTPM in your practice is essential to ensuring compliance with state regulations and improving patient safety. 

RTPM Systems by State and Territory 

Queensland – QScript 

QScript is Queensland’s RTPM system, managed by Queensland Health. It is mandatory for prescribers and pharmacists to check QScript before prescribing or dispensing monitored medicines. 

Steps for setup: 

1. Register for QScript through the Queensland Health website. 

2. Ensure your clinical software is compatible with QScript. 

3. Train staff on using QScript and understanding compliance requirements. 

4. Regularly check QScript before prescribing or dispensing controlled substances. 

New South Wales – SafeScript NSW 

SafeScript NSW is the state’s RTPM system, which helps prescribers and pharmacists make safer clinical decisions. 

Steps for setup: 

1. Register for SafeScript NSW via the NSW Health website. 

2. Integrate SafeScript NSW with your practice management software. 

3. Train prescribers and dispensers on accessing and interpreting SafeScript alerts. 

4. Ensure all controlled substance prescriptions are checked in SafeScript NSW. 

Victoria – SafeScript 

Victoria was the first state to introduce an RTPM system, SafeScript, which is now mandatory for prescribers and pharmacists. 

Steps for setup: 

1. Register with SafeScript through the Victorian Department of Health. 

2. Connect your prescribing and dispensing software to SafeScript. 

3. Train staff on SafeScript requirements and alert notifications. 

4. Check SafeScript before prescribing or dispensing monitored medications. 

Tasmania – TasScript 

TasScript is the RTPM system for Tasmania, offering real-time access to prescription histories. 

Steps for setup: 

1. Register for TasScript through the Tasmanian Department of Health. 

2. Ensure clinical software supports TasScript integration. 

3. Train prescribers and dispensers on using TasScript effectively. 

4. Use TasScript to review patients’ controlled medication history before prescribing or dispensing. 

South Australia – ScriptCheckSA 

ScriptCheckSA provides South Australian healthcare providers with real-time prescription monitoring. 

Steps for setup: 

1. Register for ScriptCheckSA via SA Health. 

2. Link the system with practice management software. 

3. Train healthcare staff on using ScriptCheckSA. 

4. Verify patient prescription history through ScriptCheckSA before issuing prescriptions. 

Northern Territory – NTScript 

NTScript is Northern Territory’s RTPM system designed to prevent prescription misuse. 

Steps for setup: 

1. Register for NTScript through NT Health. 

2. Integrate NTScript with electronic prescribing software. 

3. Train staff to understand NTScript notifications and alerts. 

4. Regularly check NTScript before prescribing or dispensing controlled substances. 

Western Australia – ScriptCheckWA 

ScriptCheckWA is the real-time monitoring tool used in Western Australia. 

Steps for setup: 

1. Register for ScriptCheckWA via WA Health. 

2. Connect practice software with ScriptCheckWA. 

3. Train prescribers and dispensers on compliance and correct usage. 

4. Use ScriptCheckWA before prescribing or dispensing high-risk medications. 

Benefits of Implementing RTPM in Your Clinic 

• Improved Patient Safety: Helps prevent medication overuse and potential overdose. 

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to state health regulations. 

• Better Clinical Decision-Making: Provides prescribers with critical patient history information. 

• Reduced Doctor Shopping: Identifies patients obtaining medications from multiple sources. 

Real-time Prescription Monitoring (RTPM) is an essential tool in ensuring the safe and responsible prescribing of controlled medicines in Australia. While each state has its own system, the goal remains the same: to protect patients and healthcare providers from the risks associated with prescription misuse. Clinics should take proactive steps to register, integrate, and educate staff on the appropriate use of their state’s RTPM system. 

For more information, visit your state’s health department website or consult your practice management software provider to ensure seamless integration with RTPM.