RETIRED - English Prescribing Dataset (EPD)


##This dataset is retired - the EPD with SNOMED can be accessed here: https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/dataset/english-prescribing-dataset-epd-with-snomed-code

This now retired dataset contains information on prescriptions issued in England that have been dispensed in England, Wales, Scotland, Guernsey, Alderney, Jersey, and the Isle of Man.

The dataset combines elements of the Detailed Prescribing Information (DPI) data previously released by NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) via the Information Services Portal, and the [Practice Level Prescribing in England (PLP)](https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/practice-level-prescribing-data) data released by NHS Digital via their website. It is intended to replace both of those sources. 


These datasets have been brought together to provide end users with a single comprehensive, consistent and accessible source of prescribing information.

Find out more about this data in the guidance document: 

[English Prescribing Dataset guidance document (ODT): 233KB](https://github.com/NHSBSA-Open-Data/OPD/raw/main/English%20Prescribing%20Dataset%20Release%20Guidance%20v003.odt) 

[English Prescribing Dataset guidance document (PDF):238KB](https://github.com/NHSBSA-Open-Data/OPD/raw/main/English%20Prescribing%20Dataset%20Release%20Guidance%20v003.pdf)

<h2>Overview of Service</h2>
<p>Information about our NHSBSA Prescriptions Data service can be found here - <a href="https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/prescription-data">Prescription data | NHSBSA</a>

<h2>Dataset Details</h2>

<!---Expander 4-->
<details class="nhsuk-details">
  <summary class="nhsuk-details__summary">
    <span class="nhsuk-details__summary-text nhsuk-u-font-size-24">Data Source</span>
  </summary>
  <div class="nhsuk-details__text">
    <p>NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) Data Warehouse. 
</div>
</details>

<!---Expander 5-->
<details class="nhsuk-details">
  <summary class="nhsuk-details__summary">
    <span class="nhsuk-details__summary-text nhsuk-u-font-size-24">Data collection</span>
  </summary>
  <div class="nhsuk-details__text">
    <p>The English Prescribing Dataset (EPD) is compiled from multiple NHSBSA data sources to ensure accuracy and consistency in prescription records.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>BNF Data</strong>: Sourced from the NHSBSA drug database, which maintains the British National Formulary (BNF) classification system as implemented prior to edition 70.</li>
<li><strong>Organisational Data</strong>: Derived from the NHSBSA organisational database, providing up-to-date information on NHS GP practices and primary care organisations.</li>
<li><strong>Prescription Data</strong>: Includes all prescription items prescribed in the community in England and submitted to NHSBSA for reimbursement and remuneration by dispensing contractors on a monthly basis.</li>
</ul></p>
  </div>
</details>

<!---Expander 6-->
<details class="nhsuk-details">
  <summary class="nhsuk-details__summary">
    <span class="nhsuk-details__summary-text nhsuk-u-font-size-24">Time Periods </span>
  </summary>
  <div class="nhsuk-details__text">
  <p><strong>Publication Frequency</strong>: Data is uploaded <strong>monthly</strong>, typically around the 20th, following the <a href="https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/data-release-calendar">NHSBSA prescription data refresh.</a><br /> <br /> Data is published retrospectively with a two-month delay. For example, January data is published in March.</p>
<p><strong>Historical Data</strong>: Records are available from January 2014 onwards.</p>  
</div>
</details>

<!---Expander 7-->
<details class="nhsuk-details">
  <summary class="nhsuk-details__summary">
    <span class="nhsuk-details__summary-text nhsuk-u-font-size-24">Geography </span>
  </summary>
  <div class="nhsuk-details__text">
  <p>Prescriptions issued in England that have been dispensed in England, Wales, Scotland, Guernsey, Alderney, Jersey, and the Isle of Man.</p>
</div>
</details>

<h2>Caveats</h2>
<div class="nhsuk-inset-text">
<span class="nhsuk-u-visually-hidden">Information: </span><h3 class="nhsuk-u-font-size-32">Exclusion of Medicines Supplied Under Patient Group Directions (PGDs)</h3>

<p>The EPD dataset does not capture any medicines that are supplied under PGDs, ( structured protocols allowing specific healthcare professionals (like pharmacists) to supply or administer medicines without a prescription). Services operating under PGDs that are excluded from EPD:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways (PFCP)</strong> – e.g. treatments for minor ailments</li>
<li><strong>Contraception services</strong></li>
<li><strong>Smoking cessation support</strong></li>
<li><strong>Urgent medicines supply</strong></li>
<li><strong>Seasonal flu vaccinations</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>These services are tracked separately. For more insights into these areas:</p>
<ul>
<li>Pharmacy First data: <a id="menurhgi" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/" href="https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/dispensing-contractors-information/nhs-pharmacy-first-service-pfs/nhs-pharmacy-first-clinical-pathways-data" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-label="Link NHS Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways Data | NHSBSA">NHS Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways Data | NHSBSA</a></li>
<li>Other pharmacy services: <a id="menurhgl" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/" href="https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/prescription-data/dispensing-data" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-label="Link Dispensing data | NHSBSA">Dispensing data | NHSBSA</a></li>
<li>Flu service reporting: <a id="menurhgo" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/" href="https://catalyst.services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/analytics/saw.dll?Dashboard&amp;PortalPath=%2Fshared%2F%20ePACT2%2FAnalysis%2FFlu%20Data%2FAdvanced%20Service%20Flu%20report%20-%20Pharmacy%20Contractors&amp;Page=Summary&amp;P1=dashboard&amp;Action=Navigate&amp;ViewState=0qe942k9ptvlkehgta8t09bgc6&amp;P16=NavRuleDefault&amp;NavFromViewID=d%3Adashboard~p%3A8qvj24gcsk0tmf86" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-label="Link Flu report - Oracle Analytics Dashboard">Flu report - Oracle Analytics Dashboard</a></li>
</ul>
</div>

<div class="nhsuk-inset-text">
<span class="nhsuk-u-visually-hidden">Information: </span><h3 class="nhsuk-u-font-size-32">Exclusion of Dental Prescribing</h3>

<p>Prescriptions issued by dentists and dispensed in the community are not included in the EPD dataset.</p>
</div>

<div class="nhsuk-inset-text">
<span class="nhsuk-u-visually-hidden">Information: </span><h3 class="nhsuk-u-font-size-32">Hospital Prescribing: Site Code vs. Cost Centre</h3>

<p>There is a <strong>distinction in hospital prescribing data</strong> included in EPD:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Excluded</strong>: Items prescribed using Hospital Site codes and dispensed in the community</li>
<li><strong>Included</strong>: Items prescribed using Hospital Cost Centre codes, even if dispensed in the community</li>
</ul>
<p>This means that although both may represent hospital-originated prescriptions, only those tied to cost centres are within EPD scope. For further analysis of Hospital Site code prescribing, refer to the <a href="https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/dataset/hospital-prescribing-dispensed-in-the-community"><strong>Hospital Prescribing Dispensed in the Community Dataset</strong></a>, which <strong>excludes Hospital Cost Centre data</strong> to avoid duplication.</p>
</div>

<h2>Enquiries</h2>
<!---Who can I contact Section-->
<details class="nhsuk-details">
  <summary class="nhsuk-details__summary">
    <span class="nhsuk-details__summary-text nhsuk-u-font-size-24">Who can I contact if I have queries relating to the data?
    </span>
  </summary>
  <div class="nhsuk-details__text">
    <p><p>If you have any queries regarding the data provided, or if you plan on publishing, the data please contact <a href="mailto:DataServicesSupport@nhsbsa.nhs.uk">DataServicesSupport@nhsbsa.nhs.uk</a> ensuring you quote the name of the dataset for reference. This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented.</p></p>
  </div>
</details>

<h2>Citing and Reusing This Data</h2>
<!---Reusing the data and copyright Section-->
<details class="nhsuk-details">
  <summary class="nhsuk-details__summary">
    <span class="nhsuk-details__summary-text nhsuk-u-font-size-24">Important information regarding reusing the data and copyright
    </span>
  </summary>
  <div class="nhsuk-details__text">
    <p><p>If you plan on producing a press or broadcast story based upon the data please contact <a href="mailto: communicationsteam@nhsbsa.nhs.uk "> communicationsteam@nhsbsa.nhs.uk </a>. This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented.</p>
<p>The information supplied to you continues to be protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and is subject to NHSBSA copyright. This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence detailed at:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/</a></p>
<p>Should you wish to re-use the information you must include the following statement: &ldquo;NHSBSA Copyright 2025&rdquo; Failure to do so is a breach of the terms of the licence.</p>
<p>Information you receive which is not subject to NHSBSA Copyright continues to be protected by the copyright of the person, or organisation, from which the information originated. Please obtain their permission before reproducing any third party (non NHSBSA Copyright) information.</p></p>
  </div>
</details>

<!---Citation-->
<details class="nhsuk-details">
  <summary class="nhsuk-details__summary">
    <span class="nhsuk-details__summary-text nhsuk-u-font-size-24">Citation
    </span>
  </summary>
  <div class="nhsuk-details__text">
<p><p>NHS Business Services Authority. "English Prescribing Dataset (EPD)." NHS Business Services Authority Open Data. Accessed **[Date Accessed]**. URL: <a href=" https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/dataset/english-prescribing-data-epd"> https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/dataset/english-prescribing-data-epd</a></p>
</div>
</details>

## Notices

**28 May 2024:**

We've updated our prescription data reports to reflect the recent changes to the discount deduction applied to pharmacy contractors monthly total of reimbursement prices, listed in the Drug Tariff Part V.  

For data from April 2024 (published in June) any financial report referencing actual cost includes discounts calculated according to the new methodology.  

You can find more details in this article: [Changes to Actual Cost reporting calculation (Pharmacy only)](https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/news/changes-to-actual-cost-reporting-calculation-pharmacy-only)


Tags: Prescribing, Prescriptions
Organization: Community Prescribing & Dispensing