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
