E-prescription system functioning well in pharmacies
Germany's e-prescription pilot project has shown positive results in pharmacies. The web application used in the Berlin and Brandenburg trials is reported to be user-friendly and effective.
The German Association of Pharmacists (ABDA) has reported on the progress of its e-prescription pilot project in Berlin and Brandenburg. Dr. Susanne Damer, managing director of the Berlin Pharmacists' Association, stated that the system's web application has proven to be functional and easy to use in practice.
In the initial phase of the project, the application's functionality was limited, and its implementation did not entirely align with standard procedures. These aspects have been progressively optimized. The entire e-prescription process, from issuance at the doctor's office to reimbursement by the insurance provider, has been tested under real-world conditions since late 2019.
The second phase of the project has now commenced. This phase will focus on aspects such as the remote transmission of electronic prescriptions from doctor's offices and the home and institutional care of patients. The management of delivery services will also be developed and tested.
Dr. Damer highlighted that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has particularly exposed the weaknesses of paper prescriptions in contactless care, especially for at-risk patients. The remote transmission of e-prescriptions, potentially combined with video consultations, offers clear advantages. However, she emphasized that technology should support, not replace, pharmaceutical expertise in verifying prescriptions and selecting appropriate medications.