The Scandinavian countries' experience in the implementation of the electronic prescription

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Introduction Sweden, Denmark and Norway are the world leaders in the implementation of e-prescription models. Their first efforts to utilize computer support for the process of administrating and managing medication prescriptions date from the 1980s. Different models of electronic prescribing continued to be tested in the next thirty years. The priority was set on the patient’s personal medical record rather than the electronic prescription. Nowadays in Denmark over 88% of medical prescriptions are generated and transferred electroni-cally and almost 100% of general practitioners use an electronic patient record. Both patients and practitio-ners benefit heavily from using the e-prescription. Aim The aim of this study is to elicit the main characteristics of the electronic prescription models used in Scandinavian countries and analyze the specifics that made the extreme evolution of e-health in these countries possible. Materials and Methods We have conducted a systematic analysis of the e-health prescription practices in Scandinavian countries and summarized the data in specific figures, tables and charts. Results Our current study focuses on the similarities and differences, advantages and obstacles of the e-prescription models applied in the Scandinavian countries. Following the modification of the system historically, the study displays the circumstances, under which the implementation of the e-prescription has happened in each of the analyzed countries. It becomes clear that the fast-paced progress of the online e-prescription system in Scandinavian countries is to a great extend present due to the chain of constant adoption of experience and successful studies that is built between the three countries. Conclusion The experience of Sweden, Denmark and Norway proves that the implementation of the e-prescription systems is a solution to many technological, economic and social issues. The digitalization of health leads to the reduction of costs as well as better health care and greater satisfaction to all involved in the system.