The e-prescription was supposed to be a real success story for the Federal Ministry of Health. After taking a long time to introduce, many things now seem to be going well. However, the electronic prescription apparently still suffers from some problems, which the responsible authority now wants to rectify.
E-prescription experiences real hype
Before we get to the negative aspects, let’s start by saying something positive. According to Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD), the e-prescription, which was launched nationwide on September 1, 2022 after numerous delays, is a real success story. We have now reached the point where almost 50% of all prescriptions issued are issued digitally as e-prescriptions. However, despite all the praise, the minister must also express self-criticism.
He is aware that there are still problems that have existed since the beginning. However, Lauterbach also emphasizes that it is quite normal for a paradigm shift of this magnitude that not everything runs smoothly. At least the SPD politician vows to do better. He emphasizes that the current problems will be resolved “at full speed”. Our colleagues at heise online received this in response to an inquiry to Matthias Mieves, the SPD’s eHealth spokesperson.
Nursing homes are the focus of problem solving
Apparently, it is not just minor ailments that are disrupting the smooth operation of the e-prescription system. Rather, the system is reaching its limits in nursing homes. Due to the ban on referrals, there is probably a problem with the correct transmission from the doctor to the pharmacies. Normally, the Communication in Medicine (KIM) service acts as an intermediary. However, this service is not effective in view of the aforementioned prohibition on referrals in the care sector. Furthermore, many nursing homes do not have access to the necessary telematics infrastructure. This is why experts such as the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) are now calling for a rethink.
An exception would have to be made in this area in order to solve the problem. And this would only be possible by means of direct referral following prior consent from the patient concerned. The KBV also approached Lauterbach with this request. However, the Minister of Health still wants to rely on KIM in the care sector. Nevertheless, he is aware of the problem. For this reason, the ministry says it is currently working on a solution. The apparently strict rules are primarily intended to prevent criminals from getting hold of medicines in a roundabout way and then selling them.
Simplifying the filling process
The free text fields are also a thorn in the side of the Minister of Health. These are to be minimized in future in order to reduce the error rate for e-prescriptions. E-prescriptions have a decisive disadvantage here compared to their analog counterparts. After all, pharmacists can make adjustments to the personal data in a conventional paper prescription. This is not yet possible with e-prescriptions. One possible improvement in future could be permission for pharmacists to make corrections. The ministry is also proposing further improvements. For example, there are plans to allow multiple prescriptions to be issued. Above all, this should reduce the need to see a doctor to urgent cases. In view of this to-do list on e-prescriptions, the Federal Ministry can certainly not be accused of a lack of drive.
