The ePrescription system in development in the Maltese healthcare system – step 1 : the general practitioner perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Electronic prescribing is the computer-generated filling of the medical prescription, replacing the paper based method, with expectations of improved healthcare delivery and patient care. This system was recently introduced in Maltese Health Centres. Despite being routinely utilized for over a year, there is no formal feedback from end users including patients, general practitioners and pharmacists. The aim of this initial study is to describe the current usability and user experience issues of the ePrescription system from General Practitioner (GP) perspectives (1); explore in detail the experiences of General Practitioners in using e-prescription system in specific healthcare contexts (Malta and Belgium) (2), mainly trying to understand their feedback and the issues that they encounter in their day to day work. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used, starting with an online anonymised questionnaire distributed to all GPs working in primary care analysing their experience. A similar exercise took place in Belgium, enabling cross comparison which is ongoing. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews with General practitioner and other stakeholders is enabling in-depth evaluation. Results: The study should be completed by September 2018. Initial results include the completed questionnaires which are being used to inform the semi-structured interviews with end-user GPs. A total of 56 responses were obtained from the questionnaires (34% response rate); with respondents considering system improvements in the operational aspect, despite teething problems. Main Strengths: First analysis of GP end-users of the computer-generated prescription; selected interviewees enabling better understanding; quality control due with a team from Belgium. Main weaknesses: Results are based on end-user subjectivity, limited end-user participation. Conclusion: Overall, general practitioners perceive the programme as an improvement, despite teething problems in its introduction. KEYWORDS: electronic prescribing; general practitioners; questionnaires; interviews Disclosures: The authors have no conflict of interest in this study. There was no funding in this study. This work was supported by TD COST Action TD1405-European Network for the Joint Evaluation of Connected Health Technologies (ENJECT).