Optimizing E-Prescribing in Saskatchewan: An Analysis and Improvement Initiative

Introduction: Saskatchewan’s Pharmaceutical Information Program (PIP) is a digital platform that allows healthcare professionals secure access to patients’ medication records. Furthermore, prescriptions can be made directly through PIP. While pharmacists in Saskatchewan routinely use PIP, there scant data on the usage of PIP by physicians and nurse practitioners. Therefore, the purpose of this quality improvement project is to investigate (1) knowledge, (2) usage, (3) advantages, and (4) barriers of E-prescribing through PIP.

Methods: We employed a mixed-methods study design which consisted of a REDCap survey (n = 48) and a semi-structured interview (n = 4). Statistical and Thematic analysis was performed using R-software and NVivo, respectively.

Results: (1) Only 47.9% (n = 23) of participants surveyed were aware that PIP could be used to E-prescribe medications. (2) Of these 23 participants, 56.5% (n = 13) had previously used PIP to E-prescribe medications. (3) 69.2% (n = 9) participants appreciated that E-prescribing through PIP does not require knowing where to send the prescription. (4) 53.8% (n = 7) participants reported issues with pharmacy staff accessing prescriptions made through PIP.

Conclusion: This research reveals the need to raise awareness of PIP’s prescribing functions and brings forward barriers that should be addressed.