A Survey of Patients’ Opinions and Preferences on the Use of E-Prescriptions in Poland

Natalia Wrzosek,Agnieszka Zimmermann,Łukasz Balwicki

doi:10.3390/ijerph18189769

Natalia Wrzosek, Agnieszka Zimmermann + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189769

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Abstract

E-prescription is already used in many countries, improving the standard of patient care. Officially, from 8 January 2020 e-prescribing has been obligated in Poland. Physicians’ and pharmacists’ opinions on e-prescribing have been widely researched and reported in the literature. In contrast, patients’ perception has, to date, received little attention. For this reason, the aim of this study was to find the features and functionalities of e-prescribing that are desired by the public and influence the positive evaluation of this tool, according to patient opinion. In order to obtain data, a questionnaire was completed by 456 randomly selected adults. The obtained results indicated that only eight people (1.8%) did not know what e-prescription is. Of the remaining 448 individuals, 72.1% prefer e-prescription because it is more convenient for them. Most patients (62.1%) also recognize that e-prescribing makes it easier to purchase medications on behalf of another patient. Based on the study, it can be concluded that e-prescription is well evaluated by Polish patients. A large percentage of respondents were positive about obtaining prescriptions for continued treatment, without a personal doctor visit. Therefore, it is reasonable to maintain the possibility of such contact with a physician. The most popular, and preferred, method of receiving e-prescriptions is via SMS. However, it is necessary to offer different options for obtaining prescriptions, to meet the needs of different populations.

Highlights

By 2025, cross-border health services will be gradually implemented in 25 EU countries: Austria, Belgium [2], Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Slovakia, Latvia, and Bulgaria
Similar conclusions can be drawn from a 2012 study in Indiana, where structured interviews were conducted with patients visiting a community pharmacy
Most of the interviewees could not explain on their own what e-prescription was, or the answers declared were wrong

Summary

Introduction

Electronic prescription, as a basic tool of e-health, is already used in Canada, USA, United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, Japan, Sweden, and Denmark [1]. An e-health service is being introduced in all EU countries. By 2025, cross-border health services will be gradually implemented in 25 EU countries: Austria, Belgium [2], Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Slovakia, Latvia, and Bulgaria. European Union citizens will be able to obtain their medication in a pharmacy located in another EU country, thanks to the online transfer of their electronic prescription from their country of residence where they are affiliated, to their country of travel [3]. The electronic form of prescription is gaining popularity in countries such as India [4] and Nigeria [5]

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