Patient and clinician perspectives of an integrated electronic medication prescribing and dispensing system: A qualitative study at a multisite Australian hospital network.
Health Inf Manag 2017;
48:12-23. [PMID:
28745564 DOI:
10.1177/1833358317720601]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
While clinician attitudes towards electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) systems have been widely studied, little is known about the perspectives of patients, despite being the primary beneficiaries of these systems.
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this study is to explore and compare patient and clinician attitudes towards an integrated e-prescribing and dispensing system, in order to guide improvements in system implementation, service delivery and enhancements to system functionality.
METHOD:
A cross-sectional survey was developed and administered to patients and multidisciplinary clinicians at a multisite Australian metropolitan teaching hospital network in all areas where e-prescribing was fully implemented. Participants' views on perceived impact and valued features of the e-prescribing system were elucidated.
RESULTS:
Overall, 783 participants (400 patients and 383 clinicians) completed the survey. Although 98% of clinicians were aware of the transition to e-prescriptions, only 36% of patients were aware prior to the study. Over 80% of patients and clinicians perceived improvements in prescribing and dispensing safety and clinician workflow; 90% of patients were comfortable with information privacy associated with e-prescriptions; and 86% of patients preferred e-prescriptions to handwritten prescriptions. Although over 80% of patients valued features that improved access to information and medication safety, clinicians were more discerning about valued system features.
CONCLUSION:
The majority of patients and clinicians reported a positive impact of e-prescribing on safety and efficiency. Both groups valued safe and effective use of medicines, although differences existed in the importance placed on key system features. A greater focus on patient engagement and communication is needed to optimise the delivery of patient-centred care.
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