Implementation of electronic prescriptions : the physicians' view

Abstract

Connected Health is a paradigm shift looking after the individual and community health that is arising all over the world, applicable in a wide spectrum of care services, including primary care and electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions), which are a core part of this ecosystem. Electronic prescribing has great potential as it reduces legibility problems associated with handwritten prescriptions, can automatically flag potential interactions, adverse effects improving patient safety and can facilitate operational pharmaceutical management including potentially reducing stock-outs. While e-prescriptions have been widely adopted, the manner of their application and monitoring needs further attention to optimize quality and reduce healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to investigate physicians’ opinions on e-prescriptions their usage. The additional goal was to identify possible problems that might occur during the integration. Using a trusted online survey website, a brief questionnaire comprising of 10 multiple choice questions have been sent to 120 physicians through e-mail in thirteen different countries. Survey was conducted from October 1st until December 18th 2018. As of December 2018, ninety-three questionnaires were complete and analysed. The survey showed that implementation of e-prescriptions is feasible. The time for writing e-prescriptions is not shortened comparing to handwritten prescriptions and the support system is not adequate. Nineteen (20%) of the physicians lacked computer and e-prescribing skills. The use of e-prescriptions was more difficult for older physicians, the correlation between lower age and less needed time for e-prescribing was statistically significant (P < 0.03). To increase its use, e-prescriptions users need to be informed how electronic health systems can be beneficial for the easier use of e-prescriptions. Adequate technical support and special training must be provided for older physicians, as they need more time for e prescribing.