Electronic prescribing systems in pediatrics: the rationale and functionality requirements.

This technical report discusses electronic prescribing systems and their limitations and potential benefits, particularly to the pediatrician in the ambulatory setting. In the report we acknowledge the benefits of integrating these systems with electronic health records and practice-management systems and recommend that the adoption of electronic prescribing systems be done in the context of ultimately moving toward an electronic health record. This technical report supports the accompanying American Academy of Pediatrics policy-statement recommendations on the adoption of electronic prescribing systems by pediatricians.