Using Medication Management Technologies in Swiss Primary Care: Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Primary Care Medicine
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Switzerland is implementing medication management IT like eMediplan and the Swiss Electronic Patient Record.
• These technologies aim to support primary care physicians and older adults in optimizing medication use and reducing harm.
• Understanding user expectations is crucial for successful implementation in primary care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore primary care physicians' and older adults' experiences and attitudes towards medication management IT.
• To identify barriers and facilitators influencing the adoption and use of these technologies.

Main Methods:

• A convergent mixed methods design was employed, combining internet-based questionnaires and semistructured interviews.
• Participants included older adults (≥60 years, ≥2 daily medications) and primary care physicians in Switzerland.
• Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Only 2.8% of older adults and 45.7% of physicians reported using shared electronic medication plans.
• Most older adults were not using the Swiss Electronic Patient Record but showed willingness to adopt it.
• Physicians expressed openness to digital tools for medication optimization and care coordination.
• Barriers included lack of information, accessibility issues, perceived need, usability, data protection concerns, and time investment.

Conclusions:

• Despite perceived benefits, the current use of medication management IT by older adults and physicians is limited.
• Enhancing accessibility, usability, and providing adequate training are essential for wider adoption.
• Broader implementation can improve medication safety within interprofessional primary care settings.