E-prescription : experiences of general practitioners and pharmacists in Flanders

Abstract

Background: "This work was supported by TD COST Action TD1405 - European Network for the Joint Evaluation of Connected Health Technologies” (ENJECT)" Electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions) are expected to prevent multiple problems regarding medication admission. It aims to facilitate and prevent errors with dispensing; and improve patient’s safety through medication monitoring and alert for interactions or adverse drug reactions; etc. In 2018, e-prescription will be mandatory in Belgium for GP’s. Research questions: How does this e-prescription system affect the daily operability of both general practitioners and pharmacists? What are the main issues of this new system and how can they be improved? Method: An initial internet-based survey was executed. This questionnaire was distributed by the main software providers for both GP’s and pharmacists. Both professions received a questionnaire with slight alterations, more specified to their occupation. These results will be gathered anonymously and processed. An identical study will be running in Malta at the same time, allowing both teams to analyze each other’s results. After the gathering of these results, interviews will be held with both GP’s and pharmacists to make an in-depth analysis of issues met with daily use of the e-prescription software. Results: Our results will be available in March 2018. Strengths of our study include: results are based on a fully operational e-Prescription system that is in nationwide use. Perspectives of both GP’s and pharmacists will be taken into account as both beginning and end of the prescription chain. Experiences will be based on the daily use of the e-prescriptions. Quality control will be performed in cooperation with a team from Malta. Weaknesses include: results will be based on self-reports and might be either over- or underestimations. Our response rate might be either a strength or weakness. Conclusions: E-prescribing is present in both GP practices as in pharmacies. While the system aims to provide security and efficiency, both professions still experience problems in daily usage. Points for discussion: Advantages and disadvantages of government supported versus private supported e-presciption systems Are we getting to dependent on computers for medical practice with all technology advancements provided? Is e-prescription a concept to be expanded over different countries supporting the same/compatible system?