One of the key component hailed by different EHR vendors and supporters is e-prescribing module. (I would say the other one is surgical scheduling). E-prescribing is seen as a better way in which physician can prescribe and track the different types of drug a patient is currently taking or schedule to take. However, implementing an e-prescribing module is not easy. The basic tracking of medication order, medication dispense and medication administration requires careful schema design and flexibility.
According to a survey by European Commission:
The European Commission investigated the qualitative socio-economic impact of interoperable EHR and e-prescribing systems in 11 practice cases in Europe, the U.S. and Israel to provide insight into factors surrounding successful EHR and e-prescribing deployment. Nine of the cases also underwent a quantitative evaluation of their socio-economic impacts.
“Decisions to invest in EHR and e-prescribing systems should [involve the adoption of] strategies that fit their local or regional setting and be designed to succeed by meeting clearly identified, measurable needs,” concluded the Commission.
If EHR system is going to be a success, e-prescribe module will be one of the key component that will have to be shine and provide substantial benefits.