Benefits and challenges of electronic prescribing for general practitioners and pharmacists in regional Australia

Abstract

Objective: To explore the benefits and challenges of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) for general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists in regional New South Wales (NSW).

Methods: This qualitative study utilised semistructured interviews conducted virtually or in-person between July and September 2021.

Setting and participants: General practitioners and pharmacists practising in Bathurst NSW.

Main outcomes: Self-reported perceived and experienced benefits and challenges of e-prescribing.

Results: Two GPs and four pharmacists participated in the study. Reported benefits of e-prescribing included improvement in the prescribing and dispensing process, patient adherence, and prescription safety and security. The increased convenience for the patients was appreciated particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges discussed were how the system was perceived to be unsafe and insecure, costs of messaging and updating general practice software, utilisation of new systems and patient awareness. Pharmacists reported the need for education to patients and staff to minimise the impact of inexperience with the novel technology on workflow efficacy.

Conclusion: This study provided first insight and information on the perspectives of GPs and pharmacists 12 months after the implementation of e-prescribing. Further nationwide studies are required to consolidate these findings; provide comparisons with the system's progress since conception; determine whether metropolitan and rural health care professionals share similar perspectives; and shed light on where additional government support may be required.

Keywords: COVID-19; digital health; e-prescribing; pharmacy; rural.