Organizational challenges and benefits of electronic prescriptions in physicians’ daily practice: Survey findings from Ukraine

Czech version

Authors: Uliana Khomut ^1*; Iryna Fediak ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical and Pharmaceutical law, ivano-Frankivsk National Medical, university, ivano-Frankivsk, ukraine ¹; Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical and Pharmaceutical law, ivano-Frankivsk National Medical university, ivano-Frankivsk, ukraine ²
Published in: Čes. slov. Farm., 2025; 74, 8-14
Category: Original Articles
doi: https://doi.org/10.36290/csf.2025.037

Overview

Background: Electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions) are a key element of the digital transformation of Ukraine’s healthcare system. However, their implementation and usage levels vary significantly depending on the physician’s specialty, years of experience, and the type of locality. This study is relevant due to the need for empirical analysis of these differences to improve the e-prescription system and enhance its overall efficiency.

Objective: To assess the impact of e-prescriptions on the workflow of physicians from various specialties and to identify patterns associated with location, professional experience, and medical specialization.

Methods: The study is based on an online survey of 86 physicians from public and municipal healthcare institutions conducted between April 2024 and April 2025. Descriptive statistics, χ² tests for associations, and calculation of means with 95 % confidence intervals were used for data analysis.

Results: General practitioners and family physicians were more likely to use e-prescriptions, particularly in remote form (82,1 % vs. 26,7 % among specialists; χ² = 23,4; p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in the prescription of antibiotics (χ² = 0,74; p = 0,389) compared to other medications. The highest-rated statement among respondents was “the e-prescription is useful in my work” (mean 4,39 ± 0,78), although 17 % of physicians reported that the procedure takes more than 6 minutes to complete.

Conclusion: A total of 82,1 % of general practitioners and family physicians use the remote e-prescription functionality. Despite the high overall evaluation of the e-prescription system (mean score 4,39 ± 0,78), 17 % of physicians reported spending over 6 minutes on its issuance, indicating the need for further technical optimization and user support.