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Coming Soon: Transition to the English Prescribing Dataset (EPD) with SNOMED CT Codes
4 April 2025The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) is preparing to transition to the English Prescribing Dataset (EPD) with Systematised Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT) codes as the primary dataset. To ensure a smooth transition, both the current EPD and the EPD with SNOMED CT codes will be published concurrently for a period of three months following the first publication date. After this time, the EPD with SNOMED CT codes will become the sole version available.
What Will Be Published?
The EPD is a comprehensive monthly dataset that records all prescriptions issued by NHS primary care prescribers in England, including those from general practices (GPs), nurses, and other authorised healthcare professionals. The updated EPD with SNOMED CT codes enhances this dataset by introducing standardised clinical terminology, improving clarity and consistency in prescribing data.
This version integrates SNOMED CT codes alongside British National Formulary (BNF) codes and links to the Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d). These enhancements ensure each medication or appliance is uniquely identified, improving data interoperability across NHS systems.
Why Is This Change Being Made?
The adoption of EPD with SNOMED CT codes supports a more structured and detailed approach to analysing prescribing patterns. By incorporating standardised terminology, this update will:
- Enhance data consistency and interoperability across healthcare systems.
- Provide a more comprehensive resource for clinical research, policymaking, and healthcare planning.
- Support healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health analysts in understanding prescribing trends and costs.
To allow sufficient time for users to adapt, both versions will be available for three months. Following this transition period, the EPD with SNOMED CT codes will be the only version published.
Further Information
If you have any queries regarding this transition, please contact the Open Data team: DataServicesSupport@nhsbsa.nhs.uk