Patient and clinician perspectives of an integrated electronic medication prescribing and dispensing system: A qualitative study at a multisite Australian hospital network

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.