Challenges of Implementing Electronic Prescribing in a Low-Income Country: A Qualitative Study

Hakimeh  Mostafavi; Amirhossein  Takian; Sahar  Mostafavi; Ahad  Bakhtiari; Efat  Mohamadi; Fateme  Yaftian; Alireza  Olyaeemanesh

doi:10.18502/htaa.v9i3.19643

Hakimeh Mostafavi Health Equity Research Center (HERC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
Amirhossein Takian Health Equity Research Center (HERC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
Sahar Mostafavi Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Ahad Bakhtiari Health Equity Research Center (HERC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
Efat Mohamadi Health Equity Research Center (HERC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
Fateme Yaftian Health Equity Research Center (HERC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
Alireza Olyaeemanesh Health Equity Research Center (HERC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/htaa.v9i3.19643

Keywords: E-Prescribing; E-Prescription; Prescriber; Pharmacies; Patients; Weaknesses

Abstract

Background: Electronic prescribing (E-prescribing) is a novel digital tool that can provide a complete patient profile and further helps to avoid prescription errors.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the present state of E-prescribing in Iran, identify its process, and diagnose its software flaws. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with several user groups, health system executives, and patients were conducted for this qualitative study (concluded in 2022), and MAXQDA 11 software was used for coding and data management.

Results: According to our interviews, the challenges of the E-prescribing process include a lack of appropriate culture, support for service providers, and physician cooperation; poor management; frequent system interruptions; extra workload imposed on pharmacies; and a failure to adapt systems for underprivileged areas. Moreover, the software themselves have a number of flaws, notably inconsistent and missing medical codes, their inability to keep up with an increase in the workload, difficulty in connecting some older systems with the latest ones, and a lack of a user-friendly interface.

Conclusions: Despite the continual improvements in the E-prescribing system, its further effective implementation in our country requires ongoing interaction with all stakeholders, enlisting their opinions, and resolving its problems as quickly as feasible.