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Appl Clin Inform 2024; 15(03): 428-436
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786872
Research Article

Physicians' Perspectives with the E-prescribing System in Five Teaching Hospitals

Jahanpour Alipour
1   Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
,
Abolfazl Payandeh
2   Genetics of Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
,
Aida Hashemi
3   Department of Health Information Technology, School of Paramedical, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
,
Ali Aliabadi
3   Department of Health Information Technology, School of Paramedical, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
,
Afsaneh Karimi 
4   Pregnancy Health Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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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.

Keywords

electronic prescribing - physicians' perspectives - opportunities - challenges - efficiency improvement

Protection of Human and Animal Subjects

The present study was reviewed and approved by Ethics Committee of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences (ethical code: IR.ZAUMS.REC.1401.379). All participants provided written informed consent for this study.




Publication History

Received: 14 December 2023

Accepted: 24 March 2024

Article published online:
29 May 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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