Perceptions of Standards-based Electronic Prescribing Systems as Implemented in Outpatient Primary Care: A Physician Survey

• DOI: 10.1197/jamia.m2998
• Publication Date: 2009-04-24T01:55:14Z
• Authors: C. J. Wang; M. H. Patel; A. J. Schueth; M. Bradley; S. Wu; J. C. Crosson; P. A. Glassman; D. S. Bell
• Keywords: Formulary; Electronic prescribing; Cross-sectional study

Objective: To compare the experiences of e-prescribing users and nonusers regarding prescription safety workload to assess use information from two standards (for medication history formulary benefit information), as they are implemented. Design: Cross-sectional survey physicians who either had installed or were awaiting installation one commercial systems. Measurements: Perceptions about among all respondents, users, with system usability, job performance impact, amount e-prescribing. Results: Of 395 eligible physicians, 228 (58%) completed survey. E-prescribers (n = 139) more likely than non-e-prescribers 89) perceive that could identify clinically important drug–drug interactions (83 versus 67%, p 0.004) but not prescriptions other providers (65 60%, 0.49). They also perceived no significant difference in calls drug coverage problems (76 71% reported getting 10 fewer such per week; 0.43). Most e-prescribers high satisfaction their systems, 17% stopped using another 46% said sometimes reverted handwriting for write electronically. The volume was correlated perceptions it enhanced performance, whereas quitting associated poor usability. Conclusions: E-prescribing patient benefits did expected standardized information. Additional work is needed these have desired effects.