09 Feb Study Finds Patients Equally Likely To Fill Paper vs Electronic Prescriptions

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Toohey

Shannon Toohey, MD, MAEd
Associate Residency Director, Emergency Medicine
Assistant Clinical Professor, Emergency Medicine
University of California, Irvine
Editor-in-Chief
Journal of Education and Teaching in Emergency Medicine

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions) are now the predominant form of prescription used in the US. Concern has been raised that this form of prescription may be more difficult for emergency department (ED) patients to utilize than traditional printed prescriptions, given the unplanned nature of most ED visits at all times of day.

While there are disincentives for physicians who choose not to use them, many emergency physicians are still concerned that it could decrease compliance in their patients.
This study evaluated prescription compliance in insured patients at a single center. In our studied population, we found that patients were as equally likely to fill paper and e-Prescriptions.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: In the studied population, prescription type has no effect on the probability of a patient filling his or her prescription, in this studied population.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: Additional studies that are multi-centered, randomized and include uninsured ED patients could help further clarify if ePrescriptions are effective in the ED patient population.

No one involved in this study has any financial disclosures.

Citations:
Comparison of Primary Compliance in Electronic Versus Paper Prescriptions Prescribed From the Emergency Department
J. Andrusaitis J. Billimek M. Osborn S. Rudkin S. Toohey
UC Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2017.07.450

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Last Updated on February 9, 2018 by Marie Benz MD FAAD