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Physicians' Perceptions of Electronic Prescribing with Electronic Medical Records in Kuwaiti Primary Healthcare
Bashair A Almutairi1, Henry W W Potts2, Saadoun F Al-Azmi1
1Department of Medical Records, College of Health Sciences, Public Authority of Applied Education & Training, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate physicians' perceptions of electronic prescribing in Kuwaiti primary healthcare centres.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2017 among 368 physicians from 25 primary healthcare centres in Kuwait. Data were collected from the participants using a self-reported questionnaire, including sociodemographic characteristics, previous experience with computers and awareness, knowledge and use of e-prescribing systems and their functional features. In addition, perceptions of the benefits and levels of satisfaction associated with e-prescribing were explored.
Results:
A total of 306 physicians completed the survey (response rate: 83%). The majority had positive perceptions regarding the use of e-prescribing, particularly in terms of time-savings (86%), healthcare quality (84%), productivity (80%) and clinical workflow and efficiency (83%). However, many respondents indicated that e-prescribing systems required additional improvements in terms of functionality.
Conclusion:
Most physicians in primary healthcare centres in Kuwait recognised the importance of e-prescribing to improve the quality of patient care, streamline workflow, increase productivity and reduce medical errors. However, there is a need to improve the design and infrastructure of e-prescribing systems, which may aid in the adoption of such systems in Kuwait.