Prospects over the introduction of an electronic prescribing system associated to an automated system of drug dispensing

Background According to the safety strategies proposed by National Quality Forum, Institute for Safe Medication Practices and SESCAM, in 2009, the introduction of an electronic prescribing system associated to an automated system of drug dispensing (EPS&ASDD) was started in some clinical units of a general hospital. Purpose To assess, before its introduction, the views of the medical and nursing staff regarding the EPS&ASDD. Materials and methods In January 2011, before EPS&ASDD was extended to the Oncology, Digestive and Cardiology Units (35 beds), The authors took through an anonymous and voluntary questionnaire the views of the potential users, including: ▶A section to asses the introduction (positive, negative or indifferent). ▶Six sections with multiple choice (nothing, little, enough or much) to evaluate handling, safety, time and prescription support, considering positive answers enough and much. Information gathered: sex, age, professional status. Analysis of results: Excel ® database. Results 100% participation (18 doctors, 11 nurses). 75.9% found the introduction of EPS&ASDD positive (all nurses, 61.1% doctors). Users who considered positive each aspect: Conclusions Nurses evaluated EPS&ASDD better than doctors in all items. The perception of an increase of patient safety and easy handling were the best valued aspects. The opinions of the users are a good tool in order to introduce improvements in EPS&ASDD.