While many e-prescribing systems have features to provide access to important external patient information, including drugs prescribed by physicians in other practices, physician practices face challenges using these tools effectively, according to a study released today by the Center for Studying Health System Change.
Funded by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the study examined the experiences of 24 physician practices using e-prescribing systems. Most of the 24 practices reported that physicians had access to formulary information, but only about half reported physician access to patient medication histories. Many physicians did not routinely review these sources of information in making prescribing decisions.
Study respondents cited two barriers to use: tools to view and import data into patient records were cumbersome to use in some systems; and data was not always seen as useful enough to spend the extra time to access and review, particularly during time-pressed patient visits.
Read the HSC news release about shortfalls with e-prescribing systems.
Related Articles on E-Prescribing Systems:
Pilot Program to Assess Electronic Prior Authorization for Prescription Medications
E-Prescriptions Up By 72% in 2010
Study Highlights Barriers to Physicians' Use of E-Prescription Tools
Funded by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the study examined the experiences of 24 physician practices using e-prescribing systems. Most of the 24 practices reported that physicians had access to formulary information, but only about half reported physician access to patient medication histories. Many physicians did not routinely review these sources of information in making prescribing decisions.
Study respondents cited two barriers to use: tools to view and import data into patient records were cumbersome to use in some systems; and data was not always seen as useful enough to spend the extra time to access and review, particularly during time-pressed patient visits.
Read the HSC news release about shortfalls with e-prescribing systems.
Related Articles on E-Prescribing Systems:
Pilot Program to Assess Electronic Prior Authorization for Prescription Medications
E-Prescriptions Up By 72% in 2010
Study Highlights Barriers to Physicians' Use of E-Prescription Tools