engleski

E-Health in Practice: e-Prescription, Croatian Experiences

The aim of this paper is to describe and explain the elements and problems in the establishment and development of electronic prescriptions. We tried to show connections among all participants, then the process of issuing electronic prescriptions and dispensing the prescription electronically as well as the introduction into practice. First part consists of analysis and description of the agreed list of features that are implemented in e- prescription. Then the analyses and descriptions of next steps in the creation of e-prescriptions follow: the components of e- prescriptions that should be implemented and delivered to the vendor and client, the sequences of events during the process of issuing electronic prescriptions and dispensing the prescription electronically. Electronic messages (e-mails), necessary in the process of e-prescribing and dispensing medications based on e-prescriptions as well as how distributed them properly and fully through the system, are specified and described. The possible events and issues that normally would occur in prescribing and dispensing medications are explained. Last part consists of the plan and implementation phases of the realization of the project, and it points out the advantages and benefits of introducing e-prescriptions in practice. The project was successful and fulfilled all expectations. Today, over 98% of all prescriptions are prescribed electronically, which puts Croatia in first place in the world, whereas second and third place are shared by the Netherlands and Denmark, with about 70-75% of electronic prescriptions. In the first 6 months after e- prescriptions were established in Croatia there were 19, 787.105 electronic prescriptions. From this number pharmacies realized 19, 552.130 prescriptions (98.81% of issued e- prescriptions). All main objectives of introducing e-prescriptions are fulfilled to the maximum extent: improving quality and efficiency of health care, better delivery of health services, rationalization of high health consumption and ensuring equality for all patients. e-prescription showed all expected benefits of its use: the possibility of setting up the teams to be paid based on performance, better delivery of health services, the number of patient contacts with health care caused by only prescribing the medications is significantly reduced, patients receive services faster and easier, all information required for the treatment comes on time and is stored in a secure manner, and health professionals have less contact with patients who come to the clinic only for a prescription which provides more time for the sick and those in needs. Today, over 95% of all prescriptions are prescribed electronically, which places Croatia is in first place in the world. System is equally satisfactory for everyone involved in the process of prescribing drugs: patients, physicians, prescribers, pharmacists and Croatian Institute for Health Insurance (that finances it). Due to the introduction of e- prescriptions, 50 million paper prescriptions will not be printed, which will save 250 tons of wood and 100 tons of paper. Moreover, a 5% reduction in spending on medicines is expected as a result of the system, which means a saving of up to 30 millions of Euros.

e-prescription ; health care ; installation of e-prescription ; rationalization in health care

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