Pharmacists’ expectations and perceptions of electronic medication management: lessons from Australia

Abstract

<p><i>Background - </i>Implementing electronic medication management systems (eMMS) is likely to influence established work practices. <p><i>Objective - </i>To explore Australian hospital pharmacists’ expectations of, or experiences with, eMMS. <p><i>Methods - </i>Semi-structured individual phone interviews with pharmacists from six Australian States and Territories were conducted in 2014. <p><i>Results - </i>A total of 18 pharmacists were interviewed. Pharmacists using what they perceived to be a well-designed eMMS appeared satisfied, reporting on increased work efficiency and improved medication safety, while pharmacists dissatisfied with the eMMS focused almost exclusively on negative effects of eMMS on time and patient safety. <p><i>Conclusions - </i>It is important to manage expectations and consider pharmacists’ workflow when designing eMMS to increase satisfaction, perceived work efficiency and medication safety.