Electronic prescribing, medication take-back events, and Medicare Part D subsidies

Abstract

1stated that “e-prescribing system developers can use the results of this study … to design systems that support dispensing efficiency and safety.” Direct observations and thinkaloud protocols were used to collect data on the social, technical, and environmental work elements of pharmacy staff (seven pharmacists and nine technicians) interaction with e-prescription processing in seven pharmacies. Design weaknesses and potential hazards of e-prescribing systems resulted from differences between pharmacy and prescriber computer systems, which resulted in the selection of wrong patient or drug (i.e., name, directions, dose, strength, formulation, package sizes). Strengths included improved legibility, ease of archiving, quick access to prescriptions, and consistency in the format of e-prescriptions. Implications. Electronic medical records need to perform as intended if they are to play a central role in medication delivery and management system improvement. Despite at least a decade of development and quality improvement efforts, design flaws remain. As the health professional responsible for medication therapy management, pharmacists must remain vigilant and ensure accurate e-prescription dispensing.