Improving Primary Care Medication Processes by Using Shared Electronic Medication Plans in Switzerland: Lessons...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medication Management
• Primary Care

Background:

• Health information technology (HIT) systems for shared electronic medication plans are being adopted globally.
• These systems aim to improve medication management and patient safety by providing a common medication list.
• Integration into complex clinical workflows and a lack of evidence hinder implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize lessons learned from primary care professionals during a pilot implementation of shared electronic medication plans in Switzerland.
• To assess contextual influences and analyze mechanisms affecting implementation.
• To provide guidance for future systemwide rollouts.

Main Methods:

• Formative action research study over 6 months with 5 clusters of healthcare professionals (physicians, pharmacists, nurses) in rural and urban settings.
• Utilized a pilot shared electronic medication plan on a secure web platform.
• Conducted 3 group interviews per cluster, with longitudinal and cross-cluster content analysis.

Main Results:

• Participants viewed medication plan management as core clinical practice.
• Successful implementation requires integration into and simplification of clinical routines, an enabling setting, and designated reference professionals.
• Health information technology was necessary but not sufficient; patient engagement and local adaptations were crucial.

Conclusions:

• Implementing shared electronic medication plans involves significant sociotechnical challenges, including shared ownership among stakeholders.
• Consistent medication reconciliation requires buy-in from all healthcare professionals.
• Balancing process changes with integration into existing routines and further investigating patient involvement are key for successful adoption.