A comprehensive e-prescribing model to allow representing, comparing, and analyzing available systems

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Digital Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Electronic prescribing (ePrescribing) systems are vital for eHealth but exhibit significant heterogeneity in functionality and performance.
• Existing ePrescribing systems vary widely, posing challenges for standardization and interoperability within healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a comprehensive model for the ePrescribing process.
• To enable analysis, comparison, and design of advanced ePrescribing systems for National Healthcare Systems.

Main Methods:

• A literature review identified six core phases: Assign, Transmit, Dispense, Administer, Monitor, and Analysis Decision.
• Each phase generates digital objects with formal properties crucial for data integrity and process flow.
• The model links the formal properties of digital objects to benefits in governance, drug surveillance, and care quality.

Main Results:

• The model-based implementation of ePrescribing phases impacts care quality, access, and effectiveness.
• Benefits are observed at individual, territorial, and governmental levels.
• While not including cost evaluation, the identified benefits support cost-benefit analyses.

Conclusions:

• A standardized ePrescribing model enhances the quality, access, and effectiveness of care delivery.
• The proposed model provides a foundation for evaluating and improving diverse ePrescribing systems.
• Further analysis can leverage the model's benefits for cost-effectiveness studies in healthcare.