218121 Perceived Barriers Related to Physicians' Adoption of Electronic Prescribing

Monday, November 8, 2010

Krutika Jariwala , School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS
Erin Holmes , School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS
Background: Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) technology has a positive impact on the prescribing process because of the benefits to prescribers, pharmacists, payers and patients. However, adoption remains relatively low among physicians.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers related to physicians' adoption of e-prescribing. The specific objectives of this study are to: 1) to determine physicians' perception of the significance of barriers to adopting e-prescribing technology, 2) compare physicians' perception of the significance of barriers based on their adoption status and their demographic characteristics, and 3) to determine the extent of physician exposure to direct selling of e-prescribing products and services.

Methods: This cross-sectional study is conducted using a self-report, computer-based questionnaire administered to a random sample of 300 physicians using a physician panel. Data collected will include relevant demographic variables, perception of the significance of barriers (including absence of direct promotion of e-prescribing products and services), respondents' stage of adoption based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM; adopted from Pizzi et al. 2005), respondents' e-prescribing status, respondents' authoritative status to make decisions regarding e-prescribing for their practice, health care technology currently used by respondents, and their ranking of perceived barriers to e-prescribing. Analysis procedures will include a description of the responding sample, scale development procedures, comparison of demographics between adopters and non-adopters, and a comparison of perceived barriers among different stages of the TTM and between adopters and non-adopters using t-test and ANOVA statistical procedures.

Results: Data collection will begin in March.

Conclusion: Quantifying physicians' perceived significance of e-prescribing adoption barriers is a preliminary step in developing and implementing programs and policies that increase physicians' (and patients') access to e-prescribing, particularly in geographic regions of the United States where adoption rates are lowest.

Learning Areas:
Communication and informatics
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1)Identify physicians’ barriers to adopting electronic prescribing. 2)Determine the significance of physicians’ barriers related to electronic prescribing.

Keywords: Technology, Adoption

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I conduct research in electronic prescribing adoption.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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