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Arabian S, Zakerabasali S, Raee MJ. Exploring patient perspectives on Iran's Electronic Prescription System: a Qualitative Inquiry. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1385256. [PMID: 39026548 PMCID: PMC11254765 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1385256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Electronic prescriptions represent a fundamental shift in service delivery, healthcare management, and associated costs, offering numerous advantages. However, akin to other electronic systems, they also present challenges. This study aimed to investigate patients' understanding of the challenges associated with electronic prescriptions in Iran. Methods This study used a qualitative research design, utilizing individual and semi-structured interviews with patients referred to selected pharmacies across all 11 districts of Shiraz City. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA software (version 10), and descriptive statistics for demographic data were calculated using SPSS version 19. Results The study revealed that the participants generally demonstrated a certain level of familiarity with electronic prescribing systems. However, it was evident that many were unaware of the potential implications of such technology for their relationships with healthcare providers. This underscores the urgent need for patient understanding in the context of the electronic prescription system. While patients were relatively familiar with the functionality of electronic prescribing systems, they lacked a comprehensive understanding of how using these systems could affect their interactions with healthcare providers. Conclusion Patients are significant beneficiaries of the electronic prescribing system. By addressing their needs and concerns, they can develop a positive attitude toward this system. Their active engagement can pave the way for the system's ease of use, increase its acceptance, and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajed Arabian
- Student Research Committee, Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Health Information Technology, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Somayyeh Zakerabasali
- Clinical Education Research Center, Health Human Resources Research Center, Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Raee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Yazdi FB, Barraclough F, Collins JC, Chen J, El-Den S. Stakeholder perspectives on electronic prescribing in primary care: A scoping review. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2024; 64:102054. [PMID: 38401837 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2024.102054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) provides a convenient, efficient, paperless mechanism for the legal transfer of prescriptions between service users, prescribers, and dispensers. There have been advances in e-prescribing processes and increased uptake of e-prescribing globally, in recent years. OBJECTIVE To explore stakeholder perspectives on e-prescribing in primary care settings. METHODS A scoping review was conducted by systematically searching Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases, using the key concepts "primary care", "e-prescribing", and "perspectives". Publications were selected by screening for eligibility against inclusion and exclusion criteria, whereby any publication written in English exploring e-prescribing in primary care settings from the perspective(s) of at least one type of stakeholder was eligible for inclusion. Following a systematic screening process, relevant data were extracted, collated, and synthesized. RESULTS Two thousand publications were identified and systematically screened, rendering 44 publications (e.g., primary research articles, abstracts) eligible for inclusion in this review. Most publications reported on studies conducted in the USA, the UK, and Europe and explored the views of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy staff. Barriers to e-prescribing included system design and technical issues, lack of adequate training and communication issues between stakeholders. Enablers for e-prescribing included time savings, convenience, and increased legibility of prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights many benefits of e-prescribing such as time efficiency, convenience, increased legibility, and less mishandling. Despite this, key barriers to e-prescribing within primary care settings were also recognized, including system design, technical issues, and lack of adequate training. As such, forcing functions, prescription tracking technologies, and better training have been identified as potential ways to address these barriers. While some negative experiences were reported, stakeholders were generally satisfied and had positive experiences with e-prescribing.
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Alipour J, Payandeh A, Hashemi A, Aliabadi A, Karimi A. Physicians' Perspectives with the E-prescribing System in Five Teaching Hospitals. Appl Clin Inform 2024; 15:428-436. [PMID: 38810656 PMCID: PMC11136528 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the evidence suggesting the potential of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing), this system also faces challenges that can lead to inefficiency and even failure. This study aimed to evaluate physicians' perspectives on the efficiency, effectiveness, opportunities, and challenges associated with the e-prescribing system. METHODS In 2023, a descriptive analytics cross-sectional study was carried out. Due to the finite population size, all the physicians from five studied hospitals who agreed to participate in the study were included through the census method (n = 195). Data collection was conducted using a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive (mean, standard deviation, and frequency) and analytical (Pearson's correlation coefficient, two-sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear multiple regression model) statistics. RESULTS The mean scores of efficiency and effectiveness were 47.47 ± 14.46 and 36.09 ± 10.67 out of 95 and 65, respectively. Removing the illegibility of the prescriptions (n = 22) was the most frequent opportunity and internet connectivity problem (n = 37) was the most frequent challenge associated with the e-prescribing system. There was a strong positive significant correlation between efficiency and effectiveness (r = 0.850, p < 0.01). Moreover, age was found to have a significant negative correlation with efficiency (B = -7.261, p = 0.004) and effectiveness (B = - 5.784, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Physicians believe that e-prescribing enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of their work. There are many opportunity and challenges to the use of e-prescription. Assessing the needs of physicians, actively participating and training them in the stages of design and implementation, and conducting regular evaluations of the e-prescribing system are crucial to overcome the challenges. Our finding offers insightful information about how doctors see the e-prescribing system at teaching hospitals and provide a basis for managers and policy makers at the local and national levels to support the implementation of this system and plan for improvement of its shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahanpour Alipour
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Payandeh
- Genetics of Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Aida Hashemi
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Paramedical, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Ali Aliabadi
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Paramedical, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Karimi
- Pregnancy Health Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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Alipour J, Sharifian R, Dehghan Haghighi J, Hashemzehi M, Karimi A. Patients' perceptions, experiences, and satisfaction with e-prescribing system: A cross-sectional study. Int J Med Inform 2024; 181:105282. [PMID: 37952405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) systems have the potential to increase the quality of care and reduce costs. Officially, since 22 December 2021, e-prescribing has been mandated in Iran. This study aimed to investigate the patients' perceptions about the e-prescribing system. METHODS A descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023. The study sample comprised 394 patients who were referred to the pharmacies of five teaching hospitals. The sample size was estimated using Cochran's formula. Data collection was performed using a researcher-made questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) and analytic (Pearson and Spearman correlation, One-way ANOVA, and two-sample t-test) statistics. RESULTS About 85 % of the patients were aware of the e-prescribing system, and 70 % of them preferred the e-prescribing. Almost 57 % of the patients believed that e-prescribing did not impact their medication adherence. The mean score of patients' satisfaction with e-prescribing, patients' attitude toward e-prescribing, and the impact of e-prescribing on patient care was 3.91 ± 0.046, 3.45 ± 0.028, and 3.10 ± 0.050 out of 5, respectively. There was a significant fair correlation between the impact of e-prescribing on patient care and patients' attitude towards e-prescribing. Additionally, there was a significant but poor correlation between patient satisfaction with the impact of e-prescribing on patient care and patients' attitude toward e-prescribing (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The majority of the patients demonstrated awareness of the e-prescribing system and expressed a preference for electronic prescribing. Patients reported overall positive satisfaction, as well as relatively positive perceptions and experiences with the evaluated e-prescribing system. From the patients' perspective, receiving the e-prescribing tracking code through SMS was the most popular method for tracking their prescriptions. A greater focus on patient engagement and considering their requirements and needs in the system are crucial to improve the delivery of patient-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahanpour Alipour
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Department of Health Information Management, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Roxana Sharifian
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management & Information Sciences, Department of Health Information Management, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Javid Dehghan Haghighi
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Hashemzehi
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Paramedical, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Karimi
- Pregnancy Health Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
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AlGhadeer SZ, AlAbdullah M, Alibrahim Z, AlSalman Z, AlHaddad HM. Patients' satisfaction towards Wasfaty services in Al Ahsa province, Saudi Arabia - 2022. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:2950-2955. [PMID: 38186837 PMCID: PMC10771168 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1117_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The e-prescriptions service connects primary healthcare centers and hospitals to selected community pharmacies in various locations to allow easy access to the nearest pharmacy in the neighborhood, thus facilitating the process of drug dispensing. This study aims to assess patients' satisfaction towards Wasfaty services delivered by Ministry of Health healthcare centers. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Al Ahsa province in Saudi Arabia among adult patients who used Wasfaty services. An electronic Arabic questionnaire including demographic characteristics of patients and questions to assess their satisfaction level with the e-prescription "Wasfaty" service in terms of different aspects. Results A total of 481 participants were included in the study. Females represented 53.4% of them, and 28.1% were aged 50 years or over. Overall, most of the patients (84.1%) were either satisfied or strongly satisfied with the service (4.28 ± 0.57). After controlling for confounding, patients with chronic diseases were more satisfied with the "wasfaty" service compared to those without chronic diseases. The history of chronic disease was responsible for approximately 2.4% variability of patient satisfaction (r-square = 0.024). Patients' geographic region, age, sex, and educational level were not significantly associated with their satisfaction with "wasfaty" service. Conclusion The majority of patients, particularly those with chronic diseases, were satisfied with Wasfaty service. However, less satisfaction was observed regarding medication availability.
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Krzesiński P. Digital Health Technologies for Post-Discharge Care after Heart Failure Hospitalisation to Relieve Symptoms and Improve Clinical Outcomes. J Clin Med 2023; 12:2373. [PMID: 36983375 PMCID: PMC10058646 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevention of recurrent heart failure (HF) hospitalisations is of particular importance, as each such successive event may increase the risk of death. Effective care planning during the vulnerable phase after discharge is crucial for symptom control and improving patient prognosis. Many clinical trials have focused on telemedicine interventions in HF, with varying effects on the primary endpoints. However, the evidence of the effectiveness of telemedicine solutions in cardiology is growing. The scope of this review is to present complementary telemedicine modalities that can support outpatient care of patients recently hospitalised due to worsening HF. Remote disease management models, such as video (tele) consultations, structured telephone support, and remote monitoring of vital signs, were presented as core components of telecare. Invasive and non-invasive monitoring of volume status was described as an important step forward to prevent congestion-the main cause of clinical decompensation. The idea of virtual wards, combining these facilities with in-person visits, strengthens the opportunity for education and enhancement to promote more intensive self-care. Electronic platforms provide coordination of tasks within multidisciplinary teams and structured data that can be effectively used to develop predictive algorithms based on advanced digital science, such as artificial intelligence. The rapid progress in informatics, telematics, and device technologies provides a wide range of possibilities for further development in this area. However, there are still existing gaps regarding the use of telemedicine solutions in HF patients, and future randomised telemedicine trials and real-life registries are still definitely needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Krzesiński
- Department of Cardiology and Internal Diseases, Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute, Szaserow Street 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
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Aboye GT, Vande Walle M, Simegn GL, Aerts JM. mHealth in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe: A systematic review comparing the use and availability of mHealth approaches in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231180972. [PMID: 37377558 PMCID: PMC10291558 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231180972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background mHealth can help with healthcare service delivery for various health issues, but there's a significant gap in the availability and use of mHealth systems between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, despite the ongoing digitalization of the global healthcare system. Objective This work aims to compare and investigate the use and availability of mHealth systems in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, and identify gaps in current mHealth development and implementation in both regions. Methods The study adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for article search and selection to ensure an unbiased comparison between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and PubMed) were used, and articles were evaluated based on predetermined criteria. Details on the mHealth system type, goal, patient type, health concern, and development stage were collected and recorded in a Microsoft Excel worksheet. Results The search query produced 1020 articles for sub-Saharan Africa and 2477 articles for Europe. After screening for eligibility, 86 articles for sub-Saharan Africa and 297 articles for Europe were included. To minimize bias, two reviewers conducted the article screening and data retrieval. Sub-Saharan Africa used SMS and call-based mHealth methods for consultation and diagnosis, mainly for young patients such as children and mothers, and for issues such as HIV, pregnancy, childbirth, and child care. Europe relied more on apps, sensors, and wearables for monitoring, with the elderly as the most common patient group, and the most common health issues being cardiovascular disease and heart failure. Conclusion Wearable technology and external sensors are heavily used in Europe, whereas they are seldom used in sub-Saharan Africa. More efforts should be made to use the mHealth system to improve health outcomes in both regions, incorporating more cutting-edge technologies like wearables internal and external sensors. Undertaking context-based studies, identifying determinants of mHealth systems use, and considering these determinants during mHealth system design could enhance mHealth availability and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genet Tadese Aboye
- M3-BIORES (Measure, Model & Manage Bioreponses), Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Martijn Vande Walle
- M3-BIORES (Measure, Model & Manage Bioreponses), Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jean-Marie Aerts
- M3-BIORES (Measure, Model & Manage Bioreponses), Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Almaghaslah D, Alsayari A, Almaghaslah S, Alsanna H. Patients’ Satisfaction with E-Prescribing (Wasfaty) in Saudi Arabia: A Survey of Country-Level Implementation. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10050806. [PMID: 35627943 PMCID: PMC9141395 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study was conducted to assess patient satisfaction with the e-prescription service implemented by the Ministry of Health hospitals and primary healthcare centres in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional approach. Data were collected using a random sampling technique, and an online questionnaire was distributed among the study population. A five-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (not at all satisfied) to 5 (very satisfied), was used to assess patient satisfaction. Results and Conclusions: A total of 400 patients participated in the study. More than half (57.5%) of them were males, and approximately one-third were between the ages of 30 and 39. Aspects related to the pharmacy, i.e., accessibility of pharmacies in terms of numbers, location, and opening hours, as well as pharmacy facilities, including waiting area, counselling area, dispensing area and parking lots, were skewed towards 5 (very satisfied). Aspects related to pharmacy personnel, i.e., knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as friendliness and approachability, were also skewed towards 5 (very satisfied). Factors related to patient experience with Wasfaty, the new service, as compared with old primary healthcare centres’ pharmaceutical services, such as the availability of pharmacists, procedures for refills, waiting time, privacy, and confidentiality, were also skewed towards 5 (very satisfied).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Almaghaslah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61441, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-563885832
| | - Abdulrhman Alsayari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sokinh Almaghaslah
- Department of Family Medicine, Family Medicine Academy, Dammam 32210, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Haytham Alsanna
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Prince Sultan Hospital, First Health Cluster Estren Province, Mulija 32210, Saudi Arabia;
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