[Computer-aided electronic prescribing in Spanish hospitals]

To describe electronic prescribing in a sample of Spanish hospitals and activities derived from its implementation in Hospital Pharmacy Departments, software features and acceptance.

A survey that included data related to program implantation and performance in hospitals with diverse characteristics was designed. It was posted at the Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria website for a 6-month period and completed by phone.

A total of 47 hospitals answered the survey. 13 (27.7%) had electronic prescribing systems, and of these, 8 of them had more than 75% of beds included in the system. In 15 (31.9%) hospitals that did not have it, its implementation was in project in the near future. Software applications used in this new health technology were not homogeneous, while integration of applications that facilitate Pharmaceutical Care tasks was infrequent. In 61.5% of the hospitals with electronic prescribing, transcription used to be the pharmacist s task. In 92.3% of these hospitals, order validation is currently carried out by pharmacists. The degree of satisfaction with the system was rated as good or very good by 92.3% of pharmacists.

Computer-aided electronic prescribing appears to be a helpful tool for restructuring Department organization and investing time in new activities. A more ambitious and effective approach to clinical activities will therefore be possible. System optimization requires taking into account factors such as worker time investment, since new activities will be developed, along with the need for training courses.