Implementation of an e-Interconsultation system between a Hospital Pharmacy Service and Primary Care Pharmacy Units in a health area

Abstract

PurposeTo present the requirements, development, structure and results of an electronic interconsultation platform (e-Interconsultation) for communication between primary and hospital care. MethodA working group was created and set out its purposes, working schedule, software requirements, the structure of the electronic platform, validation procedure, and its implementation. Once the software had been developed and validated and training sessions were conducted, the electronic platform was launched in June 2015. ResultsAfter 1 year of operation, a total of 321 electronic interconsultations had been made, 110 of which were referrals from hospital care to primary care in addition to 211 from primary to hospital care. The validation of prescriptions and the need for drug monitoring in primary care are among main reasons for consultation. ConclusionsThe e-Interconsultation platform is a valid, efficient and user-friendly mean of consultation or patient referrals between both healthcare levels.