Volume 28, Issue 4 (3-2026)
jha 2026, 28(4): 57-69 |
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Mirzaei H, Moradi N, Zahiri M. Identifying barriers to electronic prescription in Bandar Abbas pharmacies 2025. jha 2026; 28 (4) :57-69
URL: http://jha.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4725-en.html
URL: http://jha.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4725-en.html
1- Department of Health Services Management, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht Branch, Marvdasht, Iran
2- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. ,nasrin.moradi.2009@gmail.com
3- School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
2- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. ,
3- School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract: (26 Views)
Introduction: Implementing an electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) system can address numerous issues associated with paper-based prescriptions, including reducing the costs of care, minimizing prescribing errors, decreasing adverse drug reactions, and enhancing patient safety. Despite the known benefits of e-prescribing, its implementation faces numerous challenges; therefore, identifying these challenges can be a positive step towards its effective implementation. In this regard, the present study aimed to identify the challenges of e-prescribing in private pharmacies in Bandar Abbas, Iran.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2025 in Bandar Abbas. A purposive sample of 25 participants, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy managers, and pharmacy staff, was recruited until data saturation was achieved. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Qualitative content analysis was performed using MAXQDA version 2020 software.
Results: Five main challenges were identified: stakeholder-related challenges, legal challenges, technological challenges, security challenges, and financial challenges. In total, 34 subcategories of challenges were introduced.
Conclusion: Despite the advantages of e-prescribing in improving the speed of medication dispensing and enhancing the quality of healthcare services, its implementation faces several barriers. These barriers include insufficient technological development, financial constraints, legal and regulatory challenges, and security-related concerns. It is recommended that policymakers first facilitate the implementation of e-prescribing by revising and updating existing regulations, and guidelines. Subsequently, adequate financial resources and incentives should be allocated to support its effective implementation. Furthermore, the provision of essential infrastructures such as secure high-speed internet access and upgrading health information systems should be prioritized.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2025 in Bandar Abbas. A purposive sample of 25 participants, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy managers, and pharmacy staff, was recruited until data saturation was achieved. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Qualitative content analysis was performed using MAXQDA version 2020 software.
Results: Five main challenges were identified: stakeholder-related challenges, legal challenges, technological challenges, security challenges, and financial challenges. In total, 34 subcategories of challenges were introduced.
Conclusion: Despite the advantages of e-prescribing in improving the speed of medication dispensing and enhancing the quality of healthcare services, its implementation faces several barriers. These barriers include insufficient technological development, financial constraints, legal and regulatory challenges, and security-related concerns. It is recommended that policymakers first facilitate the implementation of e-prescribing by revising and updating existing regulations, and guidelines. Subsequently, adequate financial resources and incentives should be allocated to support its effective implementation. Furthermore, the provision of essential infrastructures such as secure high-speed internet access and upgrading health information systems should be prioritized.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Health Information Management
Received: 2025/09/27 | Accepted: 2026/02/17 | Published: 2026/03/6
Received: 2025/09/27 | Accepted: 2026/02/17 | Published: 2026/03/6
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