Examining the challenges and benefits of the electronic prescribing system from the point of view Service providers in specialized and sub-specialized clinics of Imam Reza (AS) Tabriz Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: In recent decades, remarkable advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), particularly in the field of healthcare and medical systems, have occurred. One example of these advancements is the improvement of the prescription process through Electronic Prescribing (E-Prescribing) systems. These systems allow physicians to electronically issue patient prescriptions and access drug-related information quickly and accurately. However, challenges and issues have arisen in the implementation and use of electronic prescription systems for physicians and clinics. Today, drug prescriptions in the healthcare system are commonly made through electronic prescribing. The sudden transition from manual prescription systems to electronic ones has led to various issues, primarily affecting physicians. Identifying these challenges can help improve and address shortcomings, while recognizing its advantages can enhance its utilization. The primary objective of this research project is to investigate and analyze the challenges and issues that physicians encounter in clinical settings during the electronic prescription process. By studying and critically analyzing the existing challenges, this project aims to provide solutions and recommendations for enhancing electronic prescribing in clinical environments and improving communication between physicians and electronic systems. Given that physicians are the primary users of these systems, their active involvement is crucial for successful implementation. In this project, we have sought to identify the challenges and benefits of electronic prescribing from the perspective of healthcare providers, specifically physicians. Research method: This research was conducted qualitatively and with a phenomenological approach, with the aim of investigating the challenges of the electronic prescription system from the perspective of the doctors who were working at Imam Reza (a.s.) specialist and subspecialty clinic in Tabriz in the winter of 1401 and spring of 1402. The tool in this research is the researcher himself and the method of data collection is interview. By interviewing 20 doctors working at the clinic, the data has reached saturation. Findings: The challenges in the implementation of the electronic prescribing system in the present study were classified into 5 areasincluding: errors related to prescribing and reading prescriptions - training - cost - software and infrastructure. Also, the benefits of this system were categorized in 6 areas of prescription writing and prescription reading by personnel, creating or repeating a prescription for a specific patient, medication management, communication within the health system, integration with the electronic health record, and cost. Among them, the biggest problem of the electronic prescription is related to the software problems for the doctors and the costs for the doctors. On the other hand, the greatest advantage is in the area of prescription writing and prescription reading by personnel. Conclusion: At the end of the study, we came to the conclusion that initially the goal of launching this system was definitely to create convenience and easy access for doctors, patients and pharmacists, but launching it all at once made the doctors anxious, resistant and worried. They feel dissatisfied that they have been subjected to the operation and are required to perform it in a difficult way. They announced their readiness to participate in the training courses and stated that no training course has been held for them so far and they have learned it by try and error. Therefore, in addition to all the advantages of the electronic prescribing system, this system faces challenges the cooperation of all the stakeholders of this system is needed in order to create a suitable environment for the creation of electronic health information infrastructure and integration with the electronic health record.