The current state of e-prescribing: Implications for advanced practice registered nurses

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review legislation, barriers and challenges, and current state of e-prescribing (eRx) in the United States.

Data sources: Literature search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar was performed.

Conclusions: Challenges to eRx implementation and effective use include transcription, workflow issues, alert fatigue, educational and tangible reminders, and eRx of controlled substances.

Implications for practice: Further research could be best focused on user-friendly and interactive software improvements for both patient and provider use, bidirectional communication, and workflow studies to improve efficiency of eRx.

Keywords: Barriers; benefits; controlled substances; e-prescribing; e-prescription; legislation; safety.