Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2010 Jul-Aug;17(4):425-31.
doi: 10.1136/jamia.2009.001826.

Technological viewpoints (frames) about electronic prescribing in physician practices

Ritu Agarwal  1 , Corey M Angst, Catherine M DesRoches, Michael A Fischer
Affiliations

Technological viewpoints (frames) about electronic prescribing in physician practices

Ritu Agarwal et al. J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2010 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Objective: Physician practices may adopt and use electronic prescribing (eRx) in response to mandates, incentives, and perceived value of the technology. Yet, for the most part, diffusion has been limited and geographically confined, and even when adopted, use of eRx in many practices has been low. One explanation for this phenomenon is that decision-makers in the practices possess different technological viewpoints (frames) related to eRx and these frames have formed the basis for the adoption decision, expectations about the technology, and patterns of use. In this study eRx technological frames were examined.

Design: Focus groups, direct observation, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with physicians, practice managers, nurses, and other medical staff.

Measurements: Focus groups were observed, taped, transcribed, and analyzed to reveal themes. These themes guided the observational visits and subsequent interviews. A triangulation process was used to confirm the findings.

Results: Seven frames emerged from the qualitative analysis ranging from positive to neutral to negative: (1) eRx as an efficiency and effectiveness enhancing tool; (2) eRx as the harbinger of new practices; (3) eRx as core to the clinical workflow; (4) eRx as an administrative tool; (5) eRx: the artifact; (6) eRx as a necessary evil; and (7) eRx as an unwelcome disruption.

Conclusion: Frames provide a unique perspective within which to explore the adoption and use of eRx and may explain why perceptions of value vary greatly. Some frames facilitate effective use of eRx while others impose barriers. Electronic prescribing can be viewed as a transitional technology on the path to greater digitization at the physician practice level. Understanding the impact of technological frames on the effectiveness of eRx use may provide lessons for the implementation of future health information technology innovations.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The influence on electronic prescribing (eRx) users and technological frames.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Pan E, Johnston D, Adler-Milstein J, et al. The Value of Healthcare Information Exchange and Interoperability. Boston, MA: Center for Information Technology Leadership, 2004
    1. Blumenthal D, DesRoches C, Donelan K, et al. Health Information Technology in the United States: The Information Base for Progress. Boston, MA: Institute for Health Policy, George Washington University Medical Center, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2006
    1. Ash JS, Berg M, Coiera E. Some Unintended Consequences of Information Technology in Health Care: The nature of patient care information system related errors. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2004;11:104–12 - PMC - PubMed
    1. Estabrooks C, O'Leary K, Ricker K, et al. The Internet and Access to Evidence: How are nurses positioned? J Adv Nurs 2003;42:73–81 - PubMed
    1. Gioia DA. Symbols, scripts and sensemaking: Creating meaning in the organizational experience. In: Sims HP, Gioia DA, eds. The thinking organization. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1986:49–74

Publication types