Physicians' Attitudes towards Electronic Prescribing Software: Perceived Benefits and Barriers

Abstract

The use of health information technology has become highly effective in healthcare quality as it enhances personal and public care, broadens diagnostic accuracy, reduces medical costs and errors, and improves the effectiveness of both organizational and clinical processes. This study aims to assess physicians' perceptions of perceived benefits and barriers of electronic prescribing (e-Prescribing) software and their implementation. A self-prepared questionnaire was developed, distributed, and filled by physicians (n = 100) from different departments at Benghazi Medical Center, Libya. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program was used to analyze the results. The results showed that more than 90% of physicians preferred the e-Prescribing software, with most of them believing that they were able to provide better services to patients by saving time and effort (87%), and checking drug interaction (82%), as well as reducing medical errors (89%). On the other hand, the results indicated that the main barriers are the lack of adequate infrastructure, awareness sessions, and human and material resources. Physicians prefer to use the e-Prescribing software, as it supports decision-makers to design more effective strategies and implementation plans. The study recommended the necessity of holding awareness sessions and training programs for using e-Prescribing software.