Satisfaction predictors and attitudes towards electronic prescribing systems in three UK hospitals

Measuring satisfaction of technology users, along with satisfaction determinants, is important to enhance system utilisation and identify potential problems. The aim of this study was to investigate pharmacists' and doctors' attitudes towards e-prescribing systems, and assess the predictors of their satisfaction.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted, with 67 pharmacists and 335 doctors in three English hospitals completing a pre-piloted, postal questionnaire.

The majority of pharmacists and doctors agreed that their e-prescribing system improved the efficiency of prescribing, and reduced dosage regimen errors. However, the majority did not believe that the system created more time for near-patient clinical activities, or sped up patient discharge. More pharmacists than doctors believed that the system improved the quality of patient care. Doctors were more likely to perceive that the e-prescribing system reduced formulation and omission errors. Doctors and pharmacists from the same hospital had similar opinions about the strengths and weaknesses of the e-prescribing system. Nine variables (out of 29 potential independent variables), seven of which were related to e-prescribing system efficiency, were significant predictors of user satisfaction.

Overall, respondents were satisfied with the systems; however, pharmacists were generally more satisfied than doctors. The number of satisfaction predictors related to the feelings about e-prescribing system efficiency was larger than those predictors related to the quality of patient care.

These findings contribute to better understanding of how pharmacists and doctors perceive e-prescribing systems, and also have implications for system development, training, and how an e-prescribing system can be most effectively 'marketed' to different user groups.