Interface mechanism (IM1) NHS standards
Published on: 23rd August 2020 | Updated on: 26th June 2026
Interface mechanism (IM1) pairing is a way for IT system suppliers to connect their systems with GP clinical systems using a standard approach.
It supports better integration between systems and helps information flow safely across local health and care services.
What is IM1 for?
IM1 helps different systems work together more easily. It allows systems to:
- read patient information;
- extract data in bulk; and
- write information into another system.
This supports joined-up care and reduces the need for duplicate data entry.
IM1 can also support integration with NHS patient-facing services (PFS), such as online services. It enables IT systems and apps to integrate with PFS helping pharmacies/patients to both view and update patient information.
The Community Pharmacy IT Group (CP ITG) continues to highlight the need for strong alignment between pharmacy systems, NHS apps, and national standards to improve interoperability and patient care.
Further information
Read more:
- IM1 pairing integration including suppliers integrating (NHS England);
- About NHS IM1 integration (supplier case study).
Getting involved:
If you work within community pharmacy and would like to share feedback on IM1 or future standards, please contact it@cpe.org.uk and include ‘standards’ or ‘IM1’ in the subject line
For more information on this topic please email comms.team@cpe.org.uk
