How Physicians Renew Electronic Prescriptions in Primary Care: Therapeutic Decision or Technical Task?

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Taina Oravainen¹  Marja Airaksinen¹  Kirsi Kvarnström¹  Kaija Hannula² 

[1] Clinical Pharmacy Group, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;Kirkkonummi Health Centre, 02400 Kirkkonummi, Finland;

关键词: electronic prescription;    e-prescription;    prescribing;    optimizing prescribing;    renewing;    medication safety;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph182010937

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

In long-term pharmacotherapies, the renewal of prescriptions is part of the medication use process. Although the majority of medicines are used with renewed prescriptions, little research has focused on renewal practices. The aim of this study was to explore current renewal practices from a primary care physician’s perspective to identify system-based challenges and development needs related to the renewal practices. This qualitative study was conducted in two phases in public primary health care centres of Kirkkonummi, Finland. First, five physicians were shadowed on-site while they renewed prescriptions. The findings of the shadowing phase were further discussed in two focus group discussions with seven other physicians than in the shadowing phase. Inductive content analysis was used for data analysis utilizing Reason’s risk management theory as a theoretical framework. Due to problems in the renewal process, including impractical information systems, a lack of reconciled medication lists, and a lack of time allocated for renewing prescriptions, physicians felt that monitoring and reviewing each patients’ medications for renewal was complicated. Therefore, they felt that renewing, at times, became a technical task rather than a therapeutic decision. The physicians suggested information system improvements, enhanced interprofessional cooperation, and patient involvement as strategies to ensure rational pharmacotherapy and patient safety in the renewal of prescription medicines.

【 授权许可】

Unknown