Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Human Factors
Date Submitted: Jan 25, 2021
Date Accepted: Nov 27, 2021
The implementation of electronic multidose drug dispensing in general' practitioners' practice: A qualitative study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Increased use of pharmaceuticals challenges both capacity and safety related to medication management for patients and changes in how general practitioners (GPs) and other health personnel interact with and follow up with patients. E-prescribing of multidose drug dispensing (eMDD) is one of the national measures being tested in Norway.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to explore GPs’ experiences with the challenges and benefits of implementing eMDD in Norway.
Methods:
Qualitative in-depth and group interviews were conducted with a total of 25 GPs between 2018 and 2020. Transcribed files were saved in NVivo to conduct a step-by-step content analysis. NVivo is a software tool for organising, managing, and analysing qualitative data.
Results:
The study revealed that eMDD offers many benefits. At the same time, there are several challenges related to information, training and initiation, as well as to the responsibility for the medication, interactions, and the risk of incorrect medication. An important activity in the start-up phase was an information meeting with pharmacies and technology suppliers, as well as exchanging information and instructions with pharmacies on how to get started. Four analytic themes emerged through the extraction of data: 1) Start-up with eMDD – “Be patient”, 2) The need for training, 3) Interaction, safety and efficiency, and 4) The working day with eMDD.
Conclusions:
There is variation in different GPs’ needs regarding training and information, and considerable variation in competence and motivation related to the use of digital tools. There were also different degrees of understanding concerning the everyday work of the other actors in the medication chain. In particular, the harmonisation of medication lists related to the use of time, expenditures, and challenges with technological solutions in the introduction phase was emphasised as a challenge. Overall, GPs who have started using the system report great benefits; these are largely related to an increased overview of patients’ total medication list, less time spent on prescribing prescriptions and increased collaboration with pharmacies and nurses both in service from providers in homes and in nursing homes.
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