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Script Shift: South African pharmacists' knowledge and perspectives of e-prescribing
Rubina P Shaikh1, Paula Barnard-Ashton2, David N Bayever1
1Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa.
Health Policy and Planning
|September 6, 2025
Summary
Pharmacists in South Africa have moderate knowledge and positive perceptions of electronic prescribing. Successful implementation requires addressing regulatory, financial, and infrastructural barriers to support e-prescribing adoption.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Digital Health Transformation
Background:
- South Africa is undergoing a digital transformation in healthcare, necessitating the adoption of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing).
- Understanding pharmacists' knowledge and perceptions is crucial for successful e-prescribing implementation and policy reform.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore pharmacists' knowledge and perceptions of electronic prescribing in Gauteng, South Africa.
- To identify facilitators and barriers to e-prescribing adoption.
- To inform policy development for digital healthcare initiatives.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods study utilizing self-administered questionnaires distributed via email to 386 pharmacists.
- Quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinal regression (p < 0.05).
- Qualitative data analyzed thematically using inductive and deductive approaches, with results triangulated.
Main Results:
- Pharmacists exhibited moderate knowledge (60-79%) and positive perceptions (≥80%) regarding e-prescribing.
- Higher e-prescribing knowledge correlated significantly with positive perceptions (p < 0.001).
- Key facilitators included training and standardized regulations; barriers comprised poor knowledge, infrastructure, and financial constraints.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists generally support electronic prescribing, but successful adoption hinges on overcoming identified challenges.
- Addressing regulatory, financial, and infrastructural issues is vital for promoting widespread e-prescribing implementation.
- Findings can guide policy reform to facilitate digital healthcare advancements in South Africa.
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