Why you should read this article:

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To recognise the potential benefits and risks associated with remote prescribing

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To understand the main principles of effective practice in remote consultations and prescribing

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To consider how you could enhance the use of remote patient consultations in your area of practice

There has been a rapid increase in remote patient consultations, including remote prescribing – partly in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but also as part of the move towards a ‘digital first’ NHS. There are various benefits associated with remote prescribing, such as convenience for patients and judicious use of healthcare resources. However, it is also associated with several risks, for example the use of inappropriate medicines or doses if the prescriber does not have full access to the patient’s records. This article considers some of the benefits and challenges of remote prescribing, and discusses the main principles of effective practice in relation to patient safety, informed consent and documentation.