Fix: Prescribing Only Available for First SystmOne Instance

Quick Answer

Close all extra SystmOne windows and prescribe only from the first window you opened. If unsure which is first, close all SystmOne sessions and reopen a single instance.

What Problem Does This Solve?

When multiple SystmOne windows are open at once, prescribing is blocked in every window except the first one — to prevent the same medication being recorded twice or against the wrong patient. This guide shows how to clear the lock and resume prescribing safely.

Error Message

SystmOne

Prescribing is only available for the first SystmOne instances. This is to prevent medication being recorded twice or on the incorrect patient record.

OK

Before You Start

Prerequisites

• Save any in-progress notes or templates before closing windows
• Know your workstation name (for IT support if needed)
• Have your smartcard or user credentials ready to log back in

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Save Your Work

Prevent data loss before closing any windows

1. Save any in-progress notes, templates, or journal entries in all open SystmOne windows.
2. Note the patient name and IC number you were working on so you can reopen their record quickly.

Do Not Close Without Saving

Unsaved work will be lost. Always save before closing SystmOne windows.

2

Identify and Close Extra SystmOne Windows

Leave only the first instance open

1. Look at your taskbar for all SystmOne icons.
2. Identify the first window you opened — usually the one without a colored border over the toolbar.
3. Close all other SystmOne windows except the first one.
4. Try prescribing again from the remaining window.

Visual Cue

A second or third SystmOne instance often displays a colored border over the toolbar menu. If you see this, that window is not the first instance.

3

Restart SystmOne if Unsure

The safest way to guarantee a single instance

If you cannot identify which window is the first instance:

1. Save all work in every open SystmOne window.
2. Close all SystmOne windows completely.
3. If the error persists, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
4. Go to the Processes tab.
5. Find and end any remaining "SystmOne" processes.
6. Relaunch SystmOne once.
7. Log in, reopen the patient profile, and retry prescribing.

4

Retry Prescribing

Confirm the error is resolved

1. Open the patient record you need to prescribe for.
2. Navigate to Medications or the prescribing node.
3. Enter the medication details.
4. Save and confirm the prescription goes through without the error.

Prevention

• Open only one SystmOne instance per user at a time.
• If a second session is needed for viewing records only, avoid initiating prescriptions from that window.
• Log out of SystmOne on other devices before prescribing.

Troubleshooting

Error persists after closing all windows

Cause: A hidden SystmOne process is still running in the background.

Solution:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Go to the Details or Processes tab.
3. Look for any process named SystmOne or SystmOne.exe.
4. Select each one and click End Task.
5. Relaunch SystmOne and try again.

Cannot find which window is the first instance

Cause: Multiple windows look identical with no clear visual difference.

Solution:

1. Save work in all windows.
2. Close every SystmOne window.
3. Use Task Manager to kill any remaining processes.
4. Reopen a single SystmOne session — this guarantees it is the first instance.

Need to keep multiple records open for reference

Cause: Your workflow requires viewing multiple patient records at once.

Solution:

1. Use a second device or virtual desktop for viewing-only records.
2. Alternatively, open the second record in a read-only preview mode if your system supports it.
3. Always return to the single prescribing window to complete medication orders.
4. Consider using SystmOne tabs within one window instead of multiple windows.