Patients over 50 years old report preferring electronic prescriptions over paper prescriptions, according to a study in Perspectives in Health Information Management.
Researchers conducted a telephone survey of 75 participants that live within one hour of Pittsburgh to determine the impact of e-prescribing on patient care.
The majority of participants — 84 percent — said they expected e-prescriptions from their physicians, and 81 percent indicated preferring e-prescriptions over paper prescriptions, according to the study.
Participants also indicated high levels of satisfaction with e-prescribing. Fifty-seven respondents said their physicians sent prescriptions electronically, and 93 percent of those respondents reported being very satisfied with their physician. Eighty-four percent reported being very satisfied with their pharmacist when dealing with electronically prescribed medications.
Additionally, participants who reported receiving e-prescriptions also indicated more communication with their physicians regarding their medications.
Researchers concluded e-prescribing may influence medication adherence and behaviors through increased convenience, patient-provider communication and a perception of improved care.
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