[Patients' mailbox and electronic prescription]

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Pharmaceutical Policy
• Digital Health

Context:

• Electronic prescribing implementation in Germany since 2006.
• Need for "real" telematic solutions for healthcare enhancement.
• Patient empowerment through pharmaceutical prescription transmission via secure networks or electronic health cards.

Purpose:

• To analyze the role and impact of electronic prescribing in German healthcare.
• To evaluate the conditions for achieving desired healthcare improvements through electronic prescribing.
• To assess the factors influencing patient acceptance of electronic prescribing systems.

Summary:

• Electronic prescribing in Germany aims to improve healthcare services but requires robust telematic solutions.
• Patient empowerment is enhanced through secure prescription transmission and electronic health cards.
• Direct patient benefits from electronic prescribing are limited unless integrated with drug documentation systems identifying contraindications or polypharmacy.

Impact:

• Concurrent introduction of electronic prescribing and drug documentation systems is crucial for patient acceptance.
• Effective telematic solutions are essential for realizing the full potential of electronic prescribing.
• Integration of systems can lead to improved patient safety and healthcare outcomes.