Exploring family physicians' experiences with electronic prescribing platforms in primary healthcare centers in Hail, Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

The use of Electronic Prescribing (ePrescribing) platforms in prescribing, dispensing and claiming medications has become a trend worldwide. The utilization of this technology contributes to safer, more efficient, and satisfactory patient care. However, the experience and perspective of family physicians regarding this platform were not sufficiently evaluated in Saudi Arabia. Thus, this study aims to explore the perspectives, usage patterns, and perceived impacts of an ePrescribing platform, named Wasfaty, which has been adopted in primary healthcare centers by family physicians in Hail region in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted using online semi-structured interviews which took place from March to September 2024. By using purposive sampling, we interviewed 12 out of 69 licensed family physicians working in different primary healthcare centers at Hail region. Five key themes (i.e., registration and adoption, quality of clinical documentation, patient safety, perspectives, and recommendation) and open questions were identified through a comprehensive literature search and consensus among researchers to assess the users' experiences and perspectives toward and impacts of the use of the ePrescribing platform in the primary healthcare centers. Thematic analysis used descriptive and inductive approaches.

RESULTS

The study revealed that the registration process of family physicians to the portal was straightforward. Although there were no orientation or regular training sessions after the registration, the usability and simplicity were positive. The physicians normally continued using the portal during the workday without automatic log-out during inactivity mode. The impacts of using the portal on the comprehensiveness, accuracy, and reliability of clinical documentation were optimistic. The portal supported the continuity of care for chronic disease conditions. It improved the dosage accuracy, reduced medication errors and eliminated drug-drug interactions when compared to traditional prescribing. Physicians preferred to be continuously updated about new information and features and suggested the incorporation of artificial intelligence into the portal.

CONCLUSION

The overall experience of family physicians was positive and their perspectives toward this digital transformation are optimistic. Findings of this study asserted the inclusion of physicians in the early phase of eHealth application development. Results may be limited by the purposive sampling method and restricted generalizability to other healthcare settings. Further research is needed to expand the adoption of ePrescribing services in all Saudi healthcare centers and to improve the user experience with the electronic prescribing service worldwide.