Use of Blockchain Technology for Electronic Prescriptions

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Blockchain Technology
• Medical Practice Management

Background:

• Current electronic prescribing systems lack efficiency and robust security features.
• Distributed ledger technology offers a secure, transparent, and verifiable method for recording transactions.
• Evaluating blockchain's impact on healthcare processes is crucial for system improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of a blockchain-based electronic prescribing program (PAGR) on provider efficiency.
• To compare the time taken for prescription writing using the PAGR system versus traditional methods.
• To evaluate secondary outcomes including PDMP compliance, medication reconciliation, and prescription modifications.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study was conducted at three family medicine clinics in middle Tennessee.
• The PAGR system was implemented alongside existing electronic health records.
• Trained observers documented prescription writing times and other metrics for 107 patients.
• Data were analyzed using paired Student T-tests.

Main Results:

• The PAGR system reduced average prescription writing time from 171 seconds to 63 seconds (p = 0.0006).
• Providers reported high satisfaction with the PAGR system.
• The system ensured accurate medication reconciliation and complete PDMP checks.

Conclusions:

• The PAGR electronic prescription program significantly improves provider efficiency, saving an average of 1 minute 48 seconds per prescription.
• Blockchain integration enhances patient safety through real-time benefits checks and drug interaction reviews, influencing prescription changes in 28% of cases.
• Future developments aim to expand insurance benefit analysis and patient compliance monitoring.